NEW YORK, Aug. 24 (UPI) -- Former New York Knicks star Dean "The Dream" Meminger was found dead in a New York hotel room, his family said. He was 65.
Meminger, who helped lead the Knicks to the 1973 NBA title, had a history of drug abuse that dated back to his playing days, the website TMZ.com said. He was nearly killed after a fire started while he was allegedly smoking crack cocaine in 2009.
No cause of death was reported after hotel staff found Meminger dead in his room Friday after he failed to check out that morning. A witness told TMZ Meminger had "white stuff" oozing out of his nose. He was still wearing his championship ring.
Meminger was the Knicks' first-round draft choice in 1971.
"We want to thank everyone for their prayers and condolences during this difficult time for our family," relatives said in a statement following Meminger's death.
