A member of the 1957 UNC national championship team passed away on Wednesday.

Dr. Danny Lotz passed away at Rex Hospital, surrounded by his family, on Wednesday shortly before noon, according to a statement from the hospital.

Anne Graham Lotz – who is the daughter of Reverend Billy Graham – found Danny unresponsive in the couple’s pool at their Raleigh home on Monday afternoon. The hospital’s statement reports Lotz’s heart stopped while swimming. Emergency responders “restarted” his heart and transported him to Rex Hospital, where he remained hospitalized.

Lennie Rosenbluth was a teammate of Lotz on the ’57 championship team. He tells WCHL’s Blake Hodge that he had just recently spoken with Lotz while planning a team reunion.

Listen below:

 

Lotz was 78 years old.

UNC released the following statement regarding Lotz passing:

“The University of North Carolina and the Tar Heel basketball program extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Danny Lotz. He was a true gentleman and beloved member of our Tar Heel family. His brother, John, who passed away several years ago, was also a wonderful ambassador for the University as well as an outstanding basketball coach. Danny and his teammates permanently etched their names in the history books as members of the undefeated 1957 national champions, but his positive impact on people went far beyond basketball. Our prayers go out to the Lotz and Graham families and all of Danny’s friends, colleagues and teammates.”

The Lotz Family released the following statement through Rex Hospital:

The Lotz family appreciates all the prayers and expressions of love and support that have poured in this week, which the Lord has used to sustain them during this time. They respectfully ask for privacy as they mourn their loss and celebrate the life and legacy of a great husband, father and man of God.

Gov. Pat McCrory released the following statement:

Ann and I were saddened today to hear the news about the death of Danny Lotz. Danny was a champion in so many ways. First as a member of UNC’s 1957 undefeated national basketball championship team and then later in life as his faith led him to be a strong supporter and mentor of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and as a dedicated Bible study teacher. He was truly a North Carolina legend. We send our prayers to his wife Ann and the rest of their family in this truly difficult time.