Former Bucks star Junior Bridgeman dies after suffering a medical emergency during an event

Milwaukee Bucks minority owner and former player Junior Bridgeman has died after suffering a medical emergency at a public event in Louisville, Kentucky on Tuesday.

According to WAVE, a Louisville TV station and NBC affiliate, one of its employees was at the event March 11 at the Galt House and saw Bridgeman, 71, grab his chest and say he thought he was having a heart attack.

Medical personnel were called, and the room was cleared.

The Al J. Schneider Company, which represents the Galt House, confirmed his passing in a statement Tuesday afternoon, and expressed its sympathies for the loss of the Bucks icon.

“Junior Bridgeman was an integral part of our community. From his athletic impact to his philanthropic efforts, he will be deeply missed,” said Lance George, Chief Marketing Officer. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Bridgeman family during this time.”

The Milwaukee Bucks also released a statement Tuesday, expressing shock and sadness over Bridgeman’s tragic passing.

“Junior’s retired No. 2 jersey hangs in Fiserv Forum, serving as a constant remembrance of his outstanding play on the court and his impact on the Bucks’ success. His hard work and perseverance led him to become one of the nation’s top business leaders and, last September, Junior’s professional life came full circle when he returned to the Bucks family as an owner. His memory will always be an inspiration to the Bucks organization. We are heartbroken by Junior’s passing and we send our deepest condolences to his wife, Doris, his children, Eden, Justin, and Ryan, his entire family and all those close to him.”

Watch: Former Bucks star Junior Bridgeman dies after medical emergency

Bridgeman played 10 seasons as a small forward for the Bucks before becoming a prominent businessman. He became a minority owner of the team in September 2024, the first former Bucks player to hold ownership.

After his basketball career, Bridgeman built a fast-food empire, starting with Wendy’s franchises in Milwaukee. He became one of the largest Wendy’s franchise owners in the country and later expanded to other chains.

Bridgeman reflected on his time with the Bucks in a 2021 interview with TMJ4’s Lance Allan, where he expressed his admiration for his fellow players.

"No matter what era, what time." Junior Bridgeman said in the 2021 interview. "You know, we all wore the same jersey at some point in time. So, you feel a relationship there and you know, so much admiration for the guys that are able to get to the Finals. You know, that was our dream of ours and unfortunately, we ran into a couple of guys in Boston and Philly at the time, but they've been able to do it and just wishing them all the luck in the world."

You can watch the full interview in the video player below:

This is a developing story.