WEST LAFAYETTE — Former Purdue Men's Basketball star Caleb Swanigan died Monday night at 25, according to the team.
Our thoughts and prayers to Caleb Swanigan’s family and friends," a tweet from Purdue's Men's Basketball team read. "The world lost a gentle soul last night. Love you Biggie."
According to the Allen County Coroner's Office, he died of natural causes and the office declined the case as a physician will sign the death certificate.
"Terribly saddened by this. Biggie had a positive influence in everyone’s life. Was such a thoughtful person and gentle soul who had to overcome so much in his life," Purdue Men's Basketball Head Coach Matt Painter tweeted. "He will be greatly missed."
Swanigan was from Fort Wayne and played high school basketball for Homestead High School.
As a sophomore at Purdue during the 2016-2017 season, he earned first-team consensus All-American and Big Ten Play of the Year accolades, according to Purdue. He was a finalist for several other awards.
The Portland Trail Blazers took him in the first round of the NBA draft in 2017.
PREVIOUS | Purdue's Swanigan rises above challenges
-
Gas prices in Indy up 80 cents a gallon amid Middle East conflict, analyst says
Drivers in Indianapolis are paying noticeably more at the pump than just a month ago, and a petroleum analyst says the conflict in the Middle East is the primary reason.
Indiana tornado drill prepares schools, agencies as severe storms loom
Indiana’s statewide tornado drill on Tuesday morning gave schools and emergency agencies a chance to practice their response.
Revitalization project aims to turn northeast side park into community hub
An $800K revitalization project is hoping to transform Doris Cowherd Park on Indy's northeast side into a community hub for residents across the community.
Indianapolis students bring home free books thanks to community partnership
Students at Washington Irving Neighborhood School filled their backpacks with five free books to take home, thanks to a community partnership aimed at building home libraries.