Ex-basketball pro Dr. Alec Kessler dies
FROM STAFF REPORTS Gulf Breeze News news@gulfbreezenews.com

Jason Thompson/Gulf Breeze News Alec Kessler, right, speaks with visitors at the Andrews Institute grand opening April 21.

Former Southeastern Conference star and respected Andrews Institute physician Dr. Alec Kessler died unexpectedly Saturday, Oct. 13 from an apparent heart attack. The surgeon was participating in a basketball tournament at Gulf Breeze High School. The three on three tournament, hosted by the Gulf Breeze Tip Off Club, was a fundraiser for Gulf Breeze High School varsity basketball trips.

After making a basket, Kessler motioned that he wanted to sub-out, left the gymnasium, and collapsed in the lobby, witnesses said. Kessler was transported to Gulf Breeze Hospital, where he was pro- nounced dead. He is survived by his wife Rhea and two sons.

The former professional athlete was an orthopedic surgeon at the Andrews Institute and also coached basketball for the Gulf Breeze Sports Association (GBSA).

"As a coach, Dr. Kessler was always a gentleman. He always enjoyed coaching his boys. With his abilities and experience, the man had vastly more knowledge about the game but he was never arrogant, never said anything about his own experience. He was there for his children. On Saturday morning, he greeted my son Lawrence and said how much he was looking forward to coaching them again," shares Larry Brown, GBSA Commissioner for Basketball. "He was just a really great guy and a really great dad who loved his children."

As a student athlete at the University of Georgia, Kessler led the Bulldogs to their only SEC title in 1990 and averaged 21 points and 10.3 rebounds that season. Kessler, who left Georgia as the school's all-time leading scorer with 1,788 points, was an NBA first round draft choice by the Houston Rockets but was immediately traded to the Miami Heat. Kessler left the NBA in 1994 after logging 210 games with the Heat in four seasons. Kessler studied medicine at Emory University and graduated in 1999.

"The Baptist family is saddened by the loss of one of our own, Dr. Alec Kessler," said Andrews Institute and Gulf Breeze Hospital Administrator Bob Harriman. "He was an outstanding physician who excelled in all areas of his life. We are united in mourning and respect for him. He compassionately and enthusiastically served his community, patients and peers, and his good works will continue to touch each of us. Our deepest sympathies are extended to his family during this very difficult time."