Eric Montross died on December 17, surrounded by loved ones, at his home in Chapel Hill, according to his family (Laura, Sarah, Andrew, and Megan). Montross was diagnosed with cancer in March, and his family is appreciative of the incredible support and overwhelming love shown to him as he fought the disease with his trademark perseverance and grace.
They also express gratitude to the numerous members of the medical community, notably those at UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Centre, who fought with him with similar zeal. To know Montross was to be his friend, and the family understands that the waves from his giving, thoughtful life will continue in the lives of the many individuals he touched with his profound and real generosity.
During this sad time, the family requests privacy.
Montross was a Tar Heel from 1990 to 1994, including his freshman and sophomore seasons as a teammate of current Carolina head coach Hubert Davis. When the Tar Heels won the NCAA title in 1993, he was the starting centre.
He was selected first-team All-ACC in 1993, a senior member of the John Wooden All-America team, and received NCAA East Region and Final Four all-tournament honours while helping Carolina to the national title in 1993.
Eric spent nine seasons in the NBA after being drafted in the first round by the Boston Celtics. He worked as an analyst for the Tar Heel Sports Network for 18 years until retiring this season. He was also the Rams Club’s senior large gifts director.
Carolina Athletics released a statement.
“Carolina Athletics, the Tar Heel basketball family, and the entire University community are deeply saddened and stunned by the untimely death of Eric Montross, one of our most beloved former student-athletes.” Eric was a fantastic basketball player and an outstanding student, but his contributions to our community extended well beyond the court. He was a man of faith, a wonderful parent, husband, and son, and one of the most well-known representatives of the University and Chapel Hill.
“He assisted the Rams Club in obtaining scholarships for student-athletes, and as a colour analyst for the Tar Heel Sports Network, he provided perspective, heart, and humour to UNC fans far and wide.” While in college, Eric became an avid supporter of the Lineberger Centre and remained a cancer-fighting leader throughout his life.
“We express our heartfelt condolences to Laura, his children and extended family, as well as his colleagues and friends.” The number of individuals who loved and were affected by Eric is uncountable.”
