Death is something that no one enjoys talking about but today we sadly have news out of the NBA that a longtime member of the Indiana Pacers has sadly passed away.
This year, 2023, has been filled with deaths of athletes, coaches, and members of teams organizations.
David Benner, who spent nearly 30 years as the director of media relations for the Indiana Pacers, died Wednesday after a long illness.
Benner’s death was announced by the team, which learned of it from his family. He was 67.
He was prominent in sports in his home state for nearly a half-century, first as a sports writer covering the Pacers, Notre Dame football and Indiana University basketball for The Indianapolis Star before joining the Pacers’ staff in 1994.
“David embodied the very best of our organization,” Pacers Chairman Herb Simon said. “He was immensely talented, experienced and humble, and his passion for our players and the Pacers organization are what made him beloved by the coaches and athletes with whom he worked. David meaningfully impacted countless people here and around the league, and he will be missed.”
“We are all very saddened by the news of David’s passing,” the Toronto Raptors’ media staff said in a tweet. “He loved basketball and his team, was a kind and generous colleague, and wrote the best and funniest travel lists in the league.”
We are saddened to announce the passing of our longtime Director of Media Relations, David Benner.
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) March 1, 2023
“David embodied the very best of our organization. He was immensely talented, experienced, and humble." pic.twitter.com/OM2tPq30Ra
