In a tragic turn, former Indiana Pacers head coach Larry Staverman, who led the team in their inaugural ABA season, has reportedly died in a two-vehicle collision yesterday evening on I‑465 near Indianapolis
International Airport. According to Indianapolis Metro Police, Staverman’s car collided head-on with an SUV around 8:15 p.m. Emergency crews pronounced him dead at the scene.
Staverman, 88, was widely recognized for guiding the Pacers to a 38–40 record in 1967–68. After being replaced early in the next season by Bobby “Slick” Leonard, Staverman continued his basketball career, notably serving as interim head coach for the Kansas City Kings in 1977–78. The Pacers organization released a statement expressing deep sorrow, calling him “a pioneer whose belief in this franchise helped lay the foundation of our success.”
Witnesses say Staverman’s vehicle veered into oncoming traffic on slick pavement. The incident remains under investigation
