NCAA Tournament Hero Gerald Paddio Found Dead In Car Accident at 60

A former NCAA Tournament star was tragically found dead in a car accident at 60 years old this weekend.

Former UNLV star Gerald Paddio was a standout performer during the 1986-87 season. Paddio, who averaged 13.1 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 39 games (37 starts) for the 37-2 Runnin’ Rebels that year, helped the program reach the Final Four. Paddio hit four second half 3-pointers in UNLV's comeback Elite Eight win over Iowa.

UNLV, which finished the regular season as the No. 1 team in the country, reached the Final Four for just the second time in program history.

Indiana ended up topping Syracuse in the national title game that year.

Tragically, on the eve of the 2026 NCAA Tournament national title game, the 1987 Elite Eight hero was found dead. Paddio, now 60, was killed in a single-car accident, according to reports out of Louisiana.

Sheriff K P Gibson confirmed the crash, per News 15 in Louisiana.

"He said the vehicle went off the roadway for an unknown reason before striking the culvert and Paddio was ejected from his vehicle. He added Paddio died at the scene," the report states.

"The investigation into the crash is ongoing."

Following his collegiate career, Paddio spent time in the NBA , playing for the Cavaliers (1990-91), Seattle SuperSonics (1992-93), Indiana Pacers (1993-94), New York Knicks (1993-94) and Washington Bullets (1993-94). He averaged 5.5 points in 12.6 minutes per game in 129 NBA games before heading overseas.

Paddio returned to Louisiana after his basketball career ended. He was found dead this weekend in an accident near his hometown.

Our thoughts are with his friends and family members during this extremely difficult time on Sunday.

May he rest in peace.

This story was originally published by The Spun on Apr 6, 2026, where it first appeared in the College Basketball section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.