NYC basketball figure killed in Miami following accident involving a vehicle

Gary Prince, 67, who was a New York City native and well-known on the local basketball scene, was killed when a Bentley plowed into an outdoor cafe in Miami, Florida, police have confirmed.

Miami Beach police identified Prince as the man who died when an elderly woman trying to parallel park her luxury car accelerated – sending the vehicle barreling into patrons of Call Me Gaby in the South Beach section of Miami Beach just after 6 p.m. Thursday, according to the New York Post‘s Larry Celona and  Mark Lungariello.

“Dr. Gary Prince was a superb person in terms of helping people around him,” said friends Kirk Kesapyan and Massimo Quarra, one of whom survived the crash, in a statement to the outlet.

“Gary had a fulfilling life, his love for basketball, mentoring inner-city kids while in New York. Part of his practice was dedicated to heal the injuries of basketball players for the New York Knicks.”

Six other people were hurt in the accident as well and treated at the hospital, including a 3-year-old child. Three of the injured have been released while the others remain hospitalized, including the child, who was listed in stable condition Friday, a spokesman told The Post.

Among those injured was another basketball legend, Barry “Slice” Rohrssen, the former head men’s basketball coach at Manhattan College. Rohrssen underwent surgery for his leg. His son was also hurt and listed in good condition. Rohrssen also cut his teeth coaching at Kentucky, St. John’s,Nevada, Pitt and his alma mater, St. Francis College.

The basketball world is mourning a man who helped so many get their start in the Big Apple. In an April 2019 tweet, the Knicks said, “Last night we recognized some of the most passionate Knicks fans during Fan Appreciation Night. Fans like Kristalyn Billips, Dr. Gary Prince and Ryan Morris prove it’s bigger than basketball, and leaves no doubt we have the best fans in the world.”

The restaurant where the accident happened had remained closed Friday out of respect for the victims, a local news outlet reported.

“All of us at Call Me Gaby are deeply saddened and shocked by last night’s tragic event,” a sign posted at the restaurant said. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone affected and to their families and loved ones.”