Former Cat Melvin Turpin Commits Suicide At Age 49
Posted: Jul 8, 2010 6:38 PM
Updated: Jul 9, 2010 7:28 AM
Former UK basketball star Melvin Turpin committed suicide Thursday at his home in north Lexington. He was 49.
The incident was reported at about 4:40 p.m. at Turpin's home on Princess Arch Way in the Masterson Station subdivision. Family says Turpin's wife was at the hospital with heart problems. When a close family friend came to check on the former Wildcat, she found him dead.
The coroner said Turpin died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.
A 6'11" center, Turpin attended the University of Kentucky for four seasons from 1981-84 before being drafted as the sixth overall pick in the first round by the Washington Bullets in the 1984 NBA Draft, and immediately traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
He was a dominant center in college, scoring 42 points against Tennessee as a junior by making 18 of 22 shots from the field. He similarly dominated LSU as a senior, shooting 15 of 17 from the floor and five of six from the foul line.
As a professional, however, Turpin struggled with his weight, and after five seasons with the Cavaliers, Utah Jazz and the Bullets, he retired.
As evidenced in post-retirement interviews, however, Turpin maintained a healthy sense of humor in regards to his disappointing career, telling Sports Illustrated: "In my day, they thought the big man was supposed to be thin. They didn't know too much. It was medieval."
Turpin was a Lexington native who attended Bryan Station High School.
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Patty Eyster at Jul 8th 2010 7:36 PM
Along with Sam Bowie and other great athletes on his team, Melvin was one of the kindest of the many players I housed on Stone & Lyndhurst streets in Lexington. He was a very big man with a bigger heart. In order to play and keep his grades up, academic advisors and tutors were a regular part of Melvin's schedule. He never complained. He was always willing to cooperate with the most demanding discipline. We are so sorry to hear that we have lost one of the very best.
Jerrod at Jul 8th 2010 7:37 PM
Very disappointed to see the young tv reporter at his house focus on Mel's weight and "disappointing" NBA career. Not very classy in my opinion.
Jamee at Jul 9th 2010 12:09 AM
I agree with Jerrod. Thank you. They should have shown some respect for this man and family and friends. I remember him well as a great UK basketball and player and would like to offer my condolences to his family and true friends.
Donna Hardin at Jul 9th 2010 11:56 PM
You are one of God's Angels now. May you experience eternal bliss. You will be rememembered always, as a wonderful athlete, and as a good-hearted person. We will miss you. God Bless your family and friends who love you so much!
Jeff and Mary Treadway at Jul 8th 2010 7:43 PM
Great web site the only station we watch.