Samboy Lim Death Cause And Obituary: Philippine Basketball Legend, Dies at 61
Samboy Lim, one of the most iconic figures in Philippine basketball, passed away at the age of 61 on December 23, 2023. Lim, who was fondly known as ‘The Skywalker’ for his high-flying and acrobatic moves, suffered a cardiac arrest in 2014 that left him in a coma for five weeks. He never fully recovered from the incident and remained wheelchair-bound, unable to speak and see, until his death.
A legendary career
Samboy Lim was born on April 1, 1962, in Manila, Philippines. He started playing basketball at the age of 15 when he was discovered by former basketball player Jun Celis at Phil-Am Life Homes in Quezon City. He received athletic scholarships that helped him pursue his education and basketball career, after his father, Dr. Avelino B. Lim Sr., died due to coronary thrombosis when he was in high school.
Lim played for San Beda College in high school and Colegio de San Juan de Letran in college, where he won three NCAA championships and one MVP award. He also represented the Philippines in several international tournaments, such as the Southeast Asian Games, the FIBA Asia Championship, the Asian Games, and the FIBA Asia Champions Cup. He was part of the national team that won the silver medal in the 1990 Asian Games in Beijing, China.
Lim entered the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) in 1986, where he played for the San Miguel Beermen for his entire career. He won nine PBA championships, including a grand slam in 1989. He was also a five-time All-Star, a two-time Mythical Second Team selection, a Sportsmanship Award winner, and an All-Star Game MVP. He was named as one of the PBA’s 25 Greatest Players in 2000 and one of the PBA’s 40 Greatest Players in 2015. He was inducted into the PBA Hall of Fame in 2009. His jersey number 9 was retired by the San Miguel Beermen in 2017.
Rest in peace, Skywalker.
— ABS-CBN News (@ABSCBNNews) December 23, 2023
San Miguel and Letran legend Samboy Lim has passed away, his family announced through his Facebook account. He was 61.
“A man of Faith, exceptional courage, humility and grace. He embodied the very best of humanity,” they wrote. | via @romanzures pic.twitter.com/M8dONCHTD4
Lim was known for his flamboyant and often dangerous forays to the basket, which earned him the nickname ‘The Skywalker’. He was admired by fans and peers alike for his athleticism, skill, and passion for the game. He was also respected for his humility, sportsmanship, and leadership on and off the court.
A tragic end
Lim’s basketball career was cut short by injuries, which prevented him from completing a full season and winning an MVP award. He retired in 1997, after playing for 11 years in the PBA. He briefly played for Welcoat House Paints in the Philippine Basketball League (PBL) in 1998, before hanging up his sneakers for good.
Lim remained active in basketball after his retirement, as a coach, a commentator, and a mentor. He was also involved in various charitable and social causes, such as the Samboy Lim Foundation, which aimed to help underprivileged children through sports and education.
Lim’s life took a tragic turn on November 28, 2014, when he collapsed on the bench during an exhibition basketball game at Ynares Sports Arena, Pasig. He was rushed to the hospital unconscious, where he was diagnosed with a heart attack or stroke. He slipped into a coma for five weeks and was later brought home in January 2015 for additional treatment and therapy.
Lim never regained his full consciousness and remained in a vegetative state for over eight years. He was dependent on a feeding tube and a ventilator and required constant care and attention from his family and friends. He suffered from several complications, such as pneumonia, infections, and seizures, which further weakened his condition.
Lim passed away peacefully on December 23, 2023, surrounded by his loved ones. He is survived by his daughter Jamie Christine, his ex-wife Lelen Berberabe, his mother Lourdes, his siblings Avelino III, Lourdes, and Maria Lourdes, and his extended family and friends.
Samboy Lim Obituary
Samboy Lim’s death has sent shockwaves across the basketball world, especially in the Philippines, where he was revered as a legend and a hero. Tributes and condolences have poured in from his former teammates, opponents, coaches, colleagues, fans, and admirers, who expressed their sadness and gratitude for his life and career.
Lim’s legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of those who witnessed his greatness and those who were inspired by his story. He will be remembered as one of the best and most exciting players to ever grace the Philippine basketball scene, and as a man who embodied the values of excellence, courage, and generosity.
BIO/Wiki
| Name | Avelino Borromeo Lim Jr. |
|---|---|
| Birth date | April 1, 1962 |
| Birth place | Manila, Philippines |
| Death date | December 23, 2023 |
| Death place | Pasig, Metro Manila, Philippines |
| Cause of death | Cardiac arrest |
| Nickname | Samboy, The Skywalker |
| Height | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) |
| Weight | 185 lb (84 kg) |
| Position | Small forward / shooting guard |
| Jersey number | 9 |
| High school | San Beda College |
| College | Colegio de San Juan de Letran |
| PBA draft | 1986: Selected by the Magnolia Cheese |
| Playing career | 1986–1997 |
| Team | San Miguel Beermen |
