Filipino basketball legend Avelino Samboy Lim, also known as “The Skywalker,” passed away Saturday at the age of 61.
According to the Phil Star, his family posted a statement on Facebook announcing his death.
“Our hearts are broken. Today, December 23, 2023, our dearly beloved Samboy passed away peacefully. A man of Faith, exceptional courage, humility and grace. He embodied the very best of humanity,” the statement read.
Lim played in the Philippine Basketball Association, spending most of his ears with San Miguel Beermen. According to ABS-CBN, he is considered to be among the league’s 25 greatest players. He is five-time PBA All Star, a PBA Grand Slam champion.
In 2014, Lim suffered a cardiac arrest while playing an exhibition game and fell into a coma, Inquirer.net reports. He was eventually brought home to receive care.
His San Miguel teammate, Norman Black, spoke out about Lim’s passing.
“I’m saddened by the news of Samboy’s passing. My condolences go out to his entire family,” he said, according to ABS-CBN.
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