Former NBA forward Drew Gordon, older brother of Denver Nuggets star Aaron Gordon, passed away on May 30 in Oregon following a collision involving a three-wheeled autocycle he was driving and a GMC Sierra pick-up truck. Drew Gordon, aged 33, most recently played for the Rising Zephyr Fukuoka in Japan in 2023.
According to a report from SF Gate, the accident occurred around 1 P.M. in an unincorporated area of Clackamas County, Oregon. Gordon was found deceased at the crash scene in his Vanderhall Carmel three-wheeled vehicle. Clackamas County deputies conducted an investigation and determined that Gordon was not believed to be intoxicated at the time of the crash. The preliminary findings indicated that Gordon’s vehicle crossed over the center line, resulting in the collision with the GMC Sierra.
A press release from the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office on May 31 confirmed the preliminary investigation’s findings, stating that the Vanderhall crossed the center line and collided with the GMC. The release further clarified that impairment did not appear to be a factor in the incident.
The passengers in the pick-up truck were taken to a hospital where they received treatment for non-life-threatening injuries. The sheriff’s office continues to investigate the incident but maintains that there is no current evidence suggesting Gordon was impaired by alcohol at the time of the crash.
Drew Gordon, much like his brother Aaron, was a standout high school athlete. He earned recognition as a McDonald’s All-American in 2008 before committing to play college basketball at UCLA. Gordon transferred to the University of New Mexico in 2010. Although he went undrafted in 2012, Gordon played in the NBA Summer League with the Dallas Mavericks and was later signed by the Philadelphia 76ers, where he played during the 2014-2015 season. Unlike Aaron, who achieved NBA stardom, Drew Gordon’s professional career led him to various overseas leagues, including those in France, Russia, and Serbia, among others.
The Denver Nuggets issued a heartfelt statement regarding Gordon’s passing: “The Denver Nuggets organization is devastated to learn about the tragic passing of Drew Gordon. Drew was far too young to leave this world, but his legacy will forever live on through his three beautiful children and all of his loved ones. Our hearts are with Aaron and the Gordon family during this extremely difficult time.”
Drew Gordon is survived by his wife Angela, their three children, and his younger brother Aaron.
