Former Montana Grizzly Men’s Basketball star Kyle Owens passed away after a fight with cancer.
Kyle Owens, a 6-foot-8 forward from Calabasas, California, played three seasons with the Montana Grizzlies (2019-22) before transferring to UC Riverside.
A standout at Crespi Carmelite High School and the son of former UCLA and Lakers player Keith Owens, he quickly earned a role in Missoula, appearing in all 31 games as a freshman.
His best year came as a sophomore, when he was named Montana’s team MVP, leading the Griz in scoring (10.5 points) and ranking second in rebounding (5.5), highlighted by a career-high 27 points against Weber State.
Though his minutes dipped as a junior, he still surpassed 500 career points and 250 rebounds while earning Academic All-Big Sky honors for the third straight year.
Kyle Owens Died After An 18-Month Battle With Cancer
As per the reports, former Montana men’s basketball forward Kyle Owens, 24, died Tuesday, September 30, 2025, following an 18-month battle with cancer.
He suffered from acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Owens went public with his diagnosis in the winter of 2024 and sought a blood stem cell donor.
The Montana Griz Basketball team took to their official Facebook handle and mourned the loss of Kyle Owens. They wrote,
We are devastated to learn of the passing of former Grizzly Kyle Owens. Our hearts go out to his family and friends at this difficult time.
Montana Griz Basketball
Fans and relatives took to the comment section and offered their heartfelt condolences. Rick Joseph Jr wrote,
Such a beautiful, wonderful person. Always had that big, beautiful smile. God Speed Kyle.
Rick Joseph Jr
Kristi Heimiller Ontiveros, who works at California Resources Corporation, wrote,
Absolutely amazing person! He will live in the heart of everyone he met. Prayers to his family and friends.
Kristi Heimiller Ontiveros
Nikki Diane wrote,
This breaks my heart. Was such a fan. He deserved so much better in this world. My heart goes out to his family and friends.
Nikki Diane
During a press release, UC Riverside interim athletic director Michelle Almazan said,
“I have had the privilege of working with many talented young people throughout my career, but Kyle was different,” “He carried himself with a quiet strength and a genuine heart that touched everyone around him. “On the court he was relentless, always pushing himself to be better, and off the court he was the same, a leader, a teammate, and a friend who lifted others up. His work ethic was unmatched. He never backed down from a challenge and he never stopped believing in what was possible.”
Michelle Almazan
Other close ones and relatives have also poured their heartfelt condolences and sent prayers to Kyle’s family to stay strong in this heartbreaking moment.
He will always be remembered for his unforgettable contributions to the sport of basketball.
His family will soon reveal the funeral service schedule. Rest in Heaven, Kyle Owens.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Kevin Owens grew up with his younger brother, Trevor Owens.
- Owens’ best game for UM against a Division I team came against Idaho State in 2022, when he racked up 10 points and four rebounds and made key plays.
- The 6-foot-8 forward started 25 of 28 games as a sophomore in 2020-21, averaging 10.5 points on 47 percent field goal shooting. He also averaged 5.5 rebounds per game and was named all-Big Sky Conference honorable mention.
