The family of the late Dikembe Mutombo has broken their silence after the NBA legend’s passing on Monday at age 58 due to brain cancer.

Rose, Carrie, Jean-Jacques, and Ryan Mutombo thanked many people for their support over the last few days since Dikembe’s passing.

The quartet also told fans the best ways to keep growing the legacy of the eight-time NBA All-Star.

‘We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and condolences we have received from people around the world following the passing of our beloved Dikembe,’ the Mutombo family’s statement started.

‘Dikembe was a servant of God, a wonderful husband, father, humanitarian, and athlete. He touched countless lives on and off the court with his generosity, compassion, and unwavering dedication to improving the lives of others. Your kind words and condolences during the past two years, especially this past week, have brought us immense comfort during this difficult time.’

The statement also thanks numerous healthcare professionals who ‘remained by Dike’s side these last months.

‘We also want to thank our NBA and Georgetown families and friends for their love and support. In the coming days we will be holding a very private service for family and then working together with the NBA to hold a larger event at a later date to celebrate Dikembe’s extraordinary life and legacy.’

‘In lieu of flowers, we encourage donations to the Dikembe Mutombo Memorial Fund which will benefit the causes and organizations that Dikembe dedicated his life to supporting.’

‘Thank you once again for your kindness, understanding, and continued respect for our privacy as we navigate this profound loss.’

Mutombo, who grew up in the Democratic Republic of the Congo but moved to America at the age of 21, was selected fourth overall by the Denver Nuggets in the 1991 Draft.

He went on to play for the Nuggets, Hawks, 76ers, Nets, Knicks and Rockets in a stellar career, before retiring in 2009.

Mutombo revealed in October 2022 that he was undergoing treatment for a brain tumor.