Dana Davis, Memphis Grizzlies Executive, Found Dead In Apartment

is reporting that Dana Davis, the Memphis Grizzlies’ vice president of basketball operations and team programs, was found dead in his apartment Wednesday. He was 56.

“This is an enormous loss for the Grizzlies organization, but an even bigger loss for me personally,” Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins said in a statement. “[Dana] was a man of many hats with numerous responsibilities, always willing to take on more and go the extra mile. We will all miss ‘Double-D’ greatly. This is truly a sad day for our organization.”

CBS Sports notes that Davis, who had been a part of the Grizzlies’ organization for 13 years, had not been heard from since Tuesday, prompting team personnel to enter his apartment Wednesday with officers from the Memphis Police Department. Foul play isn’t suspected, according to police.

In addition to his roles for the Grizzlies, which included overseeing the player development programs and arranging the team’s travel, accommodations and security while on the road, Davis was also extremely active in the community, serving as member of the board of directors for the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis and serving on several inner-city boards in Memphis and Peoria, Illinois.

“Regardless of age, race or social status, he was always extending his hand to help those in need,” Grizzlies owner Michael Heisley said in a statement. “What Dana couldn’t give in monetary donations, he more than made up for with the amount of time he gave to causes close to his and the Grizzlies hearts. To say he will be missed is a gross understatement and simply not correct.”

The Grizzlies will announce plans to honor Davis in the upcoming 2012-13 season and funeral arrangements at a later date.