POL/AUS - Dydek dies a week after heart attack

BRISBANE (Olympics/WNBA) - Former Poland center Margo Dydek has died a week after suffering a heart attack.

Dydek, who was just 37 years old, collapsed at her home in Brisbane, Australia, on 19 May and was later put in a medically induced coma.

She was pregnant with her third child who also died.

Cathy Roberts, the operations manager for the Northside Wizards in the Queensland Basketball League, the team Dydek was coaching, told The Associated Press that she died early Friday.

Roberts also said that Dydek was at an early stage in her pregnancy.

The 2.13 center moved to Brisbane in 2009 with her British husband after he accepted a job offer in the city.

She played for Poland at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney and had a long career in the WNBA as well as in Europe.

The first overall pick in the 1998 draft by the Utah Starzz, she is the WNBA's all-time leading shot-blocker.

Tina Thompson, who played with Dydek with the Los Angeles Sparks, said on the WNBA's Twitter feed: "My condolences to the family of Margo Dydek, may she rest in peace!"

The Wizards posted a statement on their website.

"Always in our hearts - Margo," it read.

"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."

Dydek is survived by her husband, David, and two sons, three-year-old David and Alex, seven months.

The whole FIBA family is deeply saddened by the loss of Margo and sends its sincerest condolences to her family and friends. She will be sorely missed.

FIBA