Bridgeman, known as well for 12 years as a small forward/shooting with the Milwaukee Bucks, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 71. His death has created a void in both the basketball and the business worlds, where he was widely admired as a self-made success.

Junior Bridgeman, who left a lasting legacy on the basketball court during his career with the Milwaukee Bucks and later off the court as a business mogul, has died. He was 71 years old. Bridgeman suffered a medical emergency at a fundraising event in Louisville on Tuesday, according to reports.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Junior Bridgeman, a basketball standout who led Louisville to a Final Four, played 12 seasons in the NBA and then launched an even more successful career as a businessman with stakes in publishing, restaurants and the Milwaukee Bucks, died Tuesday. He was 71.