Former WNBA Player Margo Dydek Dies at 37

Margo Dydek, age 37, died early Friday after suffering a heart attack last week and consequently being placed in a medically induced coma, the Associated Press reports.

Dydek was in the early stages of her pregnancy with her third child when she experienced the heart attack and collapsed while at home in Brisbane, Australia May 19. Her unborn child also died.

The 7-foot-2 Poland-born basketball phenom was the No. 1 pick in the WNBA draft in 1998, where she was snagged by the Utah Starzz. She went on to play for Connecticut and San Antonio. After taking some time off to start her family, Dydek returned to the game and signed with the Los Angeles Sparks in 2008. Dydrek held the record for most blocks in a WNBA career, and led the league in blocks 7 of the 10 years of her career.

Most recently, Dydek was the head coach for the Northside Wizards in the Queensland Basketball League.

''Always in our hearts - Margo,'' the Brisbane-based Wizards posted on their website Friday. ''With great sadness we acknowledge the passing of ... Margo Dydek. Margo suffered a heart attack just over a week ago and passed away Friday 27th May, peacefully and surrounded by her family. You were a much-loved member of our community and we will miss you greatly. Our hearts go out to your family, David and your beautiful boys xx.''

Margo Dydek is survived  by her husband, David, and their children, David, 3, and Alex, seven months.

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