Additional testing required to confirm Bulls broadcaster Stacey King's cause of death

Julia Poe and Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune on Jun 8, 2026

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CHICAGO — As condolences pour in for Stacey King, officials say it could take weeks to confirm the Chicago Bulls broadcaster and former player’s cause of death.

King was pronounced dead just after 8:30 a.m. Sunday in the 500 block of Bonnie Brae in west suburban River Forest, where he lived, according to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s office. He was 59.

King was scheduled to undergo a head autopsy Monday morning, but results were pending as of Monday afternoon. In response to questions, a spokesperson for the medical examiner’s office said additional testing is required to determine King’s cause of death and results could take several weeks.

River Forest Police Department Chief James Greenwood said police were awaiting autopsy results and could not share any further details at this time.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to Mr. King’s family,” Greenwood said Monday in a statement to the Chicago Tribune. “We are keeping the family in our thoughts during this difficult time.”

A three-time NBA champion selected by the Bulls with the No. 6 pick in the 1989 draft, King was a crucial part of the first three-peat during the team’s illustrious run during the 1990s. Former teammates reacted with shock and sympathy to the news of King’s death. Scottie Pippen described King as “a great teammate and a true ambassador for the game” in a post on social media.

“I’m deeply saddened to learn of Stacey’s passing,” Michael Jordan said in a statement to the Tribune. “We shared some special years together as teammates and he was part of a group that helped define an era of Chicago Bulls basketball. My thoughts are with Stacey’s family, friends and everyone whose lives he touched.”

Despite his presence on those championship rosters, King’s second career as a local broadcaster ultimately defined his relationship with the Bulls community.

King’s voice and boisterous energy were an essential element of the television experience for Bulls fans over the last two decades. A witty, joyful presence on the microphone, he was known for his ability to coin nicknames and catchphrases.

King became the Bulls’ primary color commentator in 2008, teaming with play-by-play specialist Neil Funk. His dynamic style of reacting to games served as a backdrop for the Derrick Rose years, punctuating every highlight dunk and buzzer-beating shot with his cries of “Take me higher!” and “Let me step back and kiss myself!”

Although King was respected for his gifts as a broadcaster, his colleagues highlighted his enthusiasm for connecting with Bulls fans.

“He just loved life,” Funk said Monday during an interview on The Score. “It was amazing to me sometimes. We’d run into people on the street or in an arena, and he made every one of those people feel like he was the only person in the building. Unbelievable personality. They’re not going to make another Stacey King.”

The Cubs held a moment of silence for King during Sunday night’s home game against the San Francisco Giants. The Sky also honored King during the broadcast of Sunday’s game against the Toronto Tempo, allowing broadcaster Lisa Byington a moment to reflect on her experience calling her first NBA games alongside King.

The Bulls plan to honor King as an organization during the 2026-27 season.

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