Sad News: Former Golden State Warriors Forward Otto Porter Jr. Tragically Dies in Car Accident in Mexico
May 2, 2025 — Mexico City, Mexico
In heartbreaking news that has sent shockwaves through the basketball world, former Golden State Warriors forward and NBA champion Otto Porter Jr. has tragically died in a car accident while traveling in Mexico. He was 31 years old.
According to local authorities, the accident occurred late Wednesday evening near the coastal town of Tulum, a popular destination in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo. Porter Jr. was reportedly a passenger in a private vehicle that lost control on a winding road and collided with a roadside barrier. Emergency services arrived promptly, but Porter was pronounced dead at the scene due to the severity of his injuries.
Two other individuals traveling with him sustained injuries and were transported to a nearby hospital. Their conditions have not yet been disclosed.
Otto Porter Jr., known for his quiet leadership and basketball intelligence, enjoyed an 11-year career in the NBA. Drafted third overall in 2013 by the Washington Wizards, he went on to play for several franchises including the Chicago Bulls, Orlando Magic, Toronto Raptors, and most notably the Golden State Warriors. He was an integral part of the Warriors’ 2022 NBA Championship team, providing crucial minutes and veteran stability off the bench.
His teammates from that historic championship run, including Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Klay Thompson, expressed their sorrow on social media early Thursday morning. Curry tweeted, “Heartbroken. Otto was more than a teammate—he was a brother. His calm presence, basketball IQ, and kindness made every locker room better. Rest in peace, Champ.”
Born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, Porter came from a storied basketball lineage. His father and uncles were standout players in Missouri, and basketball ran deeply through the Porter family tree. Otto’s steady rise from Georgetown University standout to NBA champion made him a role model for aspiring athletes across the country.
Though injuries plagued the latter years of his career, leading to his retirement in early 2024, Porter had remained involved in the game through youth mentorship, charity work, and basketball clinics. At the time of the accident, he was reportedly in Mexico exploring opportunities to partner with an international sports academy focused on youth development.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued an official statement expressing condolences on behalf of the league:
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Otto Porter Jr., a talented athlete and champion whose presence on and off the court left a lasting impact. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, teammates, and the basketball community during this difficult time.”
Porter is survived by his parents, Otto Sr. and Elnora Porter, his two siblings, and a young son born in 2023. In a statement shared by the Porter family, they asked for privacy and thanked the public for the outpouring of support:
“Otto lived a life full of purpose, humility, and love. While our hearts are broken, we take solace in knowing how many lives he touched with his grace and generosity.”
Plans for a memorial service in his hometown of St. Louis are underway, with a public celebration of life expected to follow in the Bay Area, where he last found championship glory.
The basketball world has lost not only a gifted player, but also a genuinely kind soul whose influence extended far beyond the hardwood.
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