Tony Parker Senior, French basketball’s gentleman, has passed away
Oct 6, 2025
Gabriel Pantel-Jouve
Autopsy ordered after Tony Parker Senior’s death
The Lyon prosecutor's office ordered an autopsy following the discovery of Tony Parker's father Tony Parker Senior's lifeless body in Charly (Lyon Metropolitan Area). The former American basketball player died suddenly at age 70.
Photo Credit : Infinity Nine Media / Alexia Leduc
Tony Parker Senior’s body was found Sunday evening in Charly, south of Lyon. According to Le Progrès and Actu Lyon, the Lyon prosecutor’s office ordered an autopsy to determine the cause of death of Tony Parker’s father, an emblematic figure in French basketball by lineage and himself a former professional player. While no evidence suggests criminal activity, authorities want to clarify the circumstances of this sudden death.
Cause of death still unknown
The forensic examination should provide more information about the cause of Tony Parker Senior’s death, who passed away shortly before his 71st birthday (which would have been October 15). A former player who competed in the United States and Europe, he ended his career in France, where he had settled permanently.
According to initial investigation findings, no suspicious traces were found. The decision to order an autopsy follows standard procedure in cases of unexplained deaths – especially when involving a public figure.
A respected figure, a strong family legacy
In a statement to AFP, Tony Parker paid tribute to his father, describing him as « a former basketball player and deeply loved figure » who passed on « his passion for basketball, strength of character, and human values. »
Tony Parker Senior leaves behind three sons deeply involved in French basketball: Tony, president of ASVEL, T.J., assistant coach at Bayern Munich, and Pierre, assistant coach with the Austin Spurs in G-League.
Tony Parker’s moving tribute to his deceased father: « A part of me goes with him »
Oct 8, 2025
Bebasket Editorial Team
A loss affecting the entire French basketball family
The news of Tony Parker Senior’s death has moved the French sports world. Several figures in French basketball have expressed their support for the Parker family, a symbol of a dynasty that has deeply marked the professional basketball landscape.
Gabriel Pantel-Jouve est le fondateur et rédacteur en chef de BeBasket, qu’il anime depuis 2010 (sous le nom de Catch & Shoot). Passé par l’Ecole Publique de Journaliste de Tours, puis deux universités en Amérique du Nord, il a pu développer son expertise sur le basket français, de la Ligue Nationale aux divisions amateurs, durant ces 20 dernières années. En parallèle, il est aussi engagé dans le développement de clubs du côté de Montpellier.
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