Tom Cousins, a key figure behind the Atlanta Hawks basketball club's move from St. Louis to Atlanta in 1968, and the club's former owner, has died at the age of 93.
On the NBA website quoted in Jakarta, Wednesday, the sad news was officially conveyed by the Atlanta Hawks Management and State Farm Arena.
"Tom Cousins is a visionary community builder, unparalleled philanthropist and former Hawks owner who has had a profound impact on the city's sports landscape and the development of Downtown Atlanta," the club said in a statement.
The Hawks management expressed their condolences to Cousins' family and friends, while remembering his many contributions to the sport of basketball, especially in the city of Atlanta.
Cousins, along with former Georgia Governor Carl Sanders, purchased and moved the Hawks to Atlanta in 1968.
This move is considered a key milestone in making Atlanta a major sports city in the Southeastern United States.
Besides being known in the world of sports, Cousins is also active in various social projects, including the revitalization of the East Lake area in Atlanta.
He is also known as the developer of the Omni Coliseum, the original home of the Hawks, which has been the center of various sports and entertainment memories for 25 years.
"We are grateful for his legacy and immense contributions to the club and community," the Hawks said in a statement.
Until now, the family has not announced Tom Cousins' funeral schedule.
