Tar Heel Eric Montross dies from cancer at 52 years old

CHAPEL HILL, NC (WWAY) — Eric Montross has died after a battle with cancer. He was 52 years old.

Montross was diagnosed with cancer in March 2023, with the family of Montross announcing his death on Sunday.

“To know Eric was to be his friend, and the family knows that the ripples from the generous, thoughtful way that he lived his life will continue in the lives of the many people he touched with his deep and sincere kindness,” a statement from the Montross family read.

Montross played for head coach Dean Smith and the Tar Heels from 1990-94, including his freshman and sophomore seasons as a teammate of current UNC head coach Hubert Davis. He was the starting center in 1993, when the Tar Heels won the NCAA championship.