Rodney Rogers Cause Of Death At 54, Wake Forest Legend, Ex-NBA Star Died Of Sudden Health Issues?

Former NBA star and Wake Forest legend, Rodney Rogers, died on November 21, 2025, at the age of 54. The sad news was revealed by his wife, Faye, through an official statement shared by Wake Forest University. She mentioned that Rodney Rogers died of natural causes. Rodney Rogers was a beloved figure known as 'The Durham Bull' for his powerful, relentless style of play during his high school career at Hillside High School in Durham, North Carolina. However, his career was cut short due to an ATV accident in 2008, which left him paralysed. Rodney was a fighter living one day at a time until his untimely death.

What is Rodney Rogers' cause of death?

Rodney Rogers' wife, Faye, confirmed that he died from natural causes stemming from his long-term spinal cord injury. The injury occurred from a life-altering ATV accident that left Rodney paralysed from the shoulders down. For the unversed, the unfortunate incident occurred in Vance County, North Carolina, when Rodney Rogers was riding a dirt bike, and he drove into a ditch, causing the vehicle to flip over. After the accident, he became an inspiration for others with spinal cord injuries through his Rodney Rogers Foundation.

Besides Rodney's wife's claims regarding his spine injury's link to his death, there is another reported cause of the former NBA player's death. A report by Times Now mentions that Rodney had contracted a sudden ailment, which proved fatal for him. The report cites pneumonia as the cause of Rodney Rogers' death. No further details, including when Rodney was diagnosed with the disease, were disclosed. It is to be noted that there is no confirmation from the Wake Forest legend's family that he was suffering from pneumonia and passed away from complications stemming from it.

Many in the sports fraternity, including WFU Vice President and director of athletics John Currie, mourned the untimely death of Rodney Rogers at 54. John Currie recalled Rodney's contribution to basketball and lauded his 'perseverance and spirit' that kept him going even after his serious accident. Calling him a 'Pro Humanitate', John wrote:

"Rodney Rogers transformed and accelerated the upward trajectory of Wake Forest University and Demon Deacons basketball from the moment he signed his letter of intent in the fall of 1989. His generational combination of power and grace as a player was exceeded only by the size of his heart. His perseverance and spirit following his accident inspired thousands and embodied the true meaning of Pro Humanitate. Rodney showed us what strength looks like in every chapter of life."

About Rodney Rogers' family

Rodney Rogers is survived by his mother, Estelle Spencer, his wife, Faye and their five children, two daughters and three sons. Rodney Rogers' wife was his greatest support system while he dealt with his spinal paralysis from 2008 to 2025. Faye decided to marry Rodney in 2010 despite knowing about his health issues, and she has been by his side till his last breath. Before Faye, Rodney was married to Tisa White, but they later divorced. Rodney's daughters, Roddreka and Rydeiah, were both basketball players, just like their late father.

Rogers' other kids include two sons, Rodney II and Devonte, as well as a third, Eric Hipilito, whom he considered a son. The former NBA Star was raised by his mother, Estelle Spencer. His father left the family when Rogers was a toddler and died when Rogers was eight. He, however, had an amicable relationship with his stepfather, James Spencer, who died of lung cancer in 1990. Rodney also had an older sister, Renita, and two brothers, Stacy and Stanley.

We offer our heartfelt condolences to Rodney Rogers' family and hope they find the strength to cope with the grief of her passing.

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