Pumanaw na ang legendary Filipino basketball player na si Samboy Lim, na kilala rin sa bansag na "The Skywalker."
Siya ay 61 taong gulang.
Read: Why Samboy Lim is the quintessential Filipino basketball hero of our time
Isang official statement mula sa pamilya ni Samboy ang inilathala sa official Facebook page ng dating cager.
Nakasaad dito na naka-confine sa ospital si Samboy, pero payapa siyang pumanaw.
Nakasama raw nito ang mga mahal sa buhay sa mga huling sandali nito.
Ang kabuuang pahayag ng pamilya ni Samboy:
"Our Hearts are broken [broken hearts emojis].
"Today, December 23, 2023, our dearly beloved Samboy passed away peacefully. A man of Faith, exceptional courage, humility and grace. He embodied the very best of humanity. The Skywalker was 61.
"During his final moments at the Medical City, he was tenderly cared for by Lelen, Jamie, Johannes, sister Malou, nephews AP, Alby & wife Kates, best friends: Allan Caidic & Robert Evangelista.
"His loved ones abroad: sister Ate Coy - Maricor, Dan, and niece, Danielle together with Jun Zarate, Coach Larry Albano bade Samboy goodbye via online chat.
"Lelen’s siblings: Gigi, Dixon, family and friends: Manang Marilyn, Tino Pinat, Jimmy Go were also able to bid him farewell. Father Franklin Beltran (former Letran Chaplain) was able to administer the Last Rites Extreme Unction.
"We thank Samboy’s amazing team of doctors headed by Dr. Luigi Segundo, physical therapists, nurses, caregivers, family and friends who, for the last 9 years, took excellent care of him.
"Please pray for Samboy. He needs our prayers as we commend his soul to the loving arms of our Lord God.
"Please have mercy on Samboy and grant him everlasting peace. Amen Heaven gained an angel just in time for Christmas.
"We love you Samboy, thank you for loving all of us unconditionally … no more pain nor suffering! Goodbye for now …… you will be in our hearts forever."
Naulila ni Samboy ang ex-wife na si Atty. Darlene Berberabe at anak nilang si Jamie Lim.
Kinilala si Samboy bilang "Skywalker" dahil sa kanyang signature high-flying play sa basketball mula '80s hanggang '90s.
Si Samboy ay apat na beses na napabilang sa PBA All-Star at dalawang beses sa Mythical Second Team Selection.
Kasama siya sa nagbigay ng Grand Slam sa San Miguel Beer basketball team noong 1989.
Aktibo rin siya bilang player sa Philippine team, na nag-uwi ng gold medal nang manalo ang Pilipinas sa FIBA Asia Championship noong 1986.