The announcement has been made by Eric Montross’s family (Laura, Sarah, Andrew, and Megan) that he passed away on Sunday, December 17, at his Chapel Hill home, surrounded by those he loved. After receiving a cancer diagnosis in March 2023, Eric’s family is thankful for all of the amazing love and support he received from so many people while he fought the disease with his characteristic grace and tenacity.

They also express gratitude to the numerous medical professionals who fought for him with the same fervor, especially those at UNC Lineberger Cancer Center.

The family is aware that the numerous lives he touched with his profound and genuine kindness will continue to be impacted by the kind, considerate manner he lived his life. To know Eric was to be his friend.

The family requests privacy during this trying time.

From 1990 to 1994, Montross was a member of the Tar Heels under head coach Dean Smith. He was a teammate of current UNC head coach Hubert Davis during his freshman and sophomore seasons. When the Tar Heels won the NCAA title in 1993, he was the starting center.

In addition to being selected to the John Wooden All-America team as a senior, he was named to the first team of the ACC in 1993. He also won all-tournament accolades in the NCAA East Region and Final Four while helping Carolina to the 1993 national championship.

Eric played nine NBA seasons after the Boston Celtics selected him in the first round of the draft. Before giving up the mic this season, he worked as an analyst for the Tar Heel Sports Network for eighteen seasons. He was the Rams Club’s senior large gifts director as well.

Carolina Athletics released a statement:

“Carolina Athletics, the Tar Heel basketball family and the entire University community are profoundly saddened and stunned by the loss of Eric Montross, one of our most beloved former student-athletes, at far too young an age. Eric was a great player and accomplished student, but the impacts he made on our community went way beyond the basketball court. He was a man of faith, a tremendous father, husband and son, and one of the most recognizable ambassadors of the University and Chapel Hill.

“He helped the Rams Club secure scholarships for student-athletes, and as color analyst for the Tar Heel Sports Network he brought perspective, heart and humor to UNC fans near and far. Eric also became an ardent supporter of the Lineberger Center while in college and remained a leader in the fight against cancer throughout his life.

“We extend our deepest condolences to Laura, his children and entire family, and his colleagues and friends. The number of people who loved Eric and were touched by him is immeasurable.”