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Former dunk king Dawkins dies at 58

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In 1975, Darryl Dawkins was the first player drafted out of high school into the NBA -- as the fifth …

Los Angeles (AFP) - Darryl Dawkins, the former NBA star whose powerful dunks earned him the nickname "Chocolate Thunder," died Thursday of a heart attack at the age of 58, his family said.

“It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our beloved husband and father, Darryl Dawkins, who succumbed today to a heart attack," his family said in a statement issued through the NBA.

"Darryl touched the hearts and spirits of so many with his big smile and personality, ferocious dunks, but more than anything, his huge, loving heart.