Mark Eaton, former Jazz player, died while riding his bike in Park City

Last night's scene where former Utah Jazz player, Mark Eaton passed away. The flashing lights visible in the lower right from the multiple emergency response vehicles last night in Silver Creek, Park City, UT. Photo: Michele Roepke

BREAKING NEWS: PARK CITY, Utah. — Former Jazz player Mark Eaton died while riding his bike in Park City.

“On May 28, 2021, at 8:26 pm the Summit County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call from a citizen who reported finding an unconscious man lying in the roadway on Long Rifle Road, in the Silver Creek Estates neighborhood of Summit County. It appears the man was riding a bicycle and crashed. The man has been identified as Summit County resident, 64-year-old former Utah Jazz player, Mark Eaton – 7ft4.com” Summit County Sheriffs Department said in a statement.

“Deputies and medical personnel arrived on scene – Mr. Eaton was transported to a hospital. Unfortunately, we learned that Mr. Eaton passed away at the hospital. There were no witnesses to the bicycle crash, and there is no reason to believe a vehicle was involved in the incident. The Utah Office of the Medical Examiner will determine the cause of Mr. Eaton’s death.

The Summit County Sheriff’s Office offers our sincere condolences to the Eaton family, the Utah Jazz family, and friends of Mark. The family has requested privacy while they mourn his untimely death,” said Summit County Sheriff’s Deputies in the statement.

“The Utah Jazz are profoundly saddened at the unexpected passing of Mark Eaton, who was an enduring figure in our franchise history and had a significant impact in the community after his basketball career. Mark played his entire 11-year NBA career with the Jazz and his number was retired as an NBA All-Star and two-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year,” the Utah Jazz said in a statement. “His presence continued around the organization as a friend and ambassador while giving back as a businessman and volunteer to his adopted hometown in Utah. We extend our deepest condolences to his wife Teri and their extended family. Mark will be greatly missed by all of us with the Jazz.”

A quote from Eaton resurfaced in the Jazz’s statement today, “When I retired, I thought, where am I going to live and raise my kids? Utah had been such a fabulous place to me. It’s home.”

The Utah Jazz are scheduled to play game three in round one of the NBA playoffs in Tennessee against the Memphis, Grizzlies. A watch party has been previously set up for Utah fans to gather together at the Salt Lake City Vivint arena.

Eaton has been a beloved Parkite for many years seen around town skiing, grocery shopping, even enjoying a bobsled ride in which he had to sit in the very back in the fourth seat so there was room for his long legs to stretch out across the number two and three seats where other passengers usually sit.