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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Blazers grieve for Jerome Kersey; death linked to blood clot

 (Associated Press)

Terry Porter knew Jerome Kersey was special. There was, of course, the talent on the court, but also something more lasting: the “joy and his smile, the way he embraced life.” Kersey died Wednesday night at 52. The state medical examiner said Thursday a blood clot had traveled from his left calf to his left lung, causing a pulmonary thromboembolism. Kersey had minor knee surgery last Friday, but it could not be immediately determined if the surgery caused the clot. Porter, one of the great Trail Blazers, said he woke up Thursday and “thought it was a bad dream.” Kersey averaged 10.3 points and 5.5 rebounds in 17 NBA seasons with Portland, Golden State, the Los Angeles Lakers, Seattle, San Antonio and Milwaukee. He helped the Blazers reach the NBA Finals in 1990 and 1992, playing alongside Porter, Clyde Drexler, Kevin Duckworth and Buck Williams. – AP