He was a first round NBA Draft pick, who went on to have a successful 12-year career primarily with the Milwaukee Bucks. Following his playing career, he built a built a fast food franchise empire that helped springboard him to a net worth of over half a billion dollars.

Bridgeman, a billionaire entrepreneur who became a “ significant ” minority owner of the Bucks in 2024, suffered a medical emergency during a fundraiser at Galt House, a hotel in Louisville, according to WDRB News and confirmed by the company that runs Galt House. Bridgeman was taken away in an ambulance by first responders.

Junior Bridgeman, a basketball standout who went on to an even more successful career in business, has died at the age of 71.