Daedra Charles was a basketball star who left a lasting legacy on the court and in the hearts of many. She was a two-time national champion at Tennessee, a bronze medalist at the 1992 Olympics, and a Women’s Basketball Hall of Famer. She also coached at Detroit, Auburn, and Tennessee, mentoring young players and sharing her passion for the game. She died on April 14, 2018, at the age of 49, leaving behind a grieving family, friends, and fans. What was the cause of her death, and how did she live her life?
A Successful Career
Daedra Charles was born on November 22, 1968, in Detroit, Michigan. She attended Saint Martin de Porres High School, where she led her team to three state titles. She then joined the University of Tennessee, where she played under the legendary coach Pat Summitt. She helped the Lady Vols win the NCAA Women’s Championship in 1989 and 1991, earning the Wade Trophy as the national player of the year in 1991. She also became the first Tennessee player to have her jersey retired.
Charles was selected as the 8th overall pick in the 1997 WNBA Elite Draft by the Los Angeles Sparks. She played 28 games in her career, all of them during the 1997 season with the Sparks. She also played professionally in France for Tarbes Gespe Bigorre in 1994-1995.
Charles represented the USA on the national team in several international competitions. She won the bronze medal at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona, Spain, and at the 1994 World Championships in Sydney, Australia. She also won gold medals at the 1990 Goodwill Games and the 1991 Pan American Games.
A Courageous Battle
Charles was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007, but she fought the disease with determination and optimism. She underwent surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, and was declared cancer-free in 2008. She continued to coach and inspire others with her story of survival.
However, in March 2018, she posted on Facebook that she had been off work for a week because of illness and hoped that she didn’t have to go to a hospital. She did not reveal the nature of her illness, but some sources speculated that it was related to her previous cancer. She died on April 14, 2018, in Detroit, Michigan. The cause of her death was not officially announced, but according to 247Sports, it was due to undisclosed reasons.
A Lasting Legacy
Charles was inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2007, along with her coach Pat Summitt. She was also honored by the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame, the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame, and the Greater Knoxville Sports Hall of Fame. She was widely respected and admired by her peers, coaches, and fans for her skills, leadership, and character.
Charles was married to Anthony Furlow, a former Tennessee football player, and had two sons, Anthonee and Anfernee. She also had a daughter, Awa, from a previous relationship. She was a devoted mother, wife, and friend, who loved her family and her faith. She was known for her smile, her humor, and her generosity.
Charles touched many lives with her basketball career and her personal journey. She was a role model, a mentor, and a hero to many. She will be remembered as one of the greatest players and coaches in women’s basketball history, and as a courageous and compassionate person who overcame adversity and inspired others. Daedra Charles cause of death may have taken her away from us, but her spirit and legacy will live on forever.
