Gil Llewellyn, a former lead camp director at Advantage Basketball Camps, has tragically passed away.
With nearly three decades of coaching experience, Gil Llewellyn became one of the most seasoned and versatile basketball coaches in the Las Vegas area.
He served as a lead clinician with USA Basketball and has coached current and former NBA and overseas players.
Gil trained players at various locations across Las Vegas and Henderson, including Sunset Park, Tarkanian Basketball Academy, and Jam On It Sportsplex.
In addition to his basketball career, Gil had a unique background as a professional Certified Arborist and award-winning tree climber with over 30 years of experience.
He earned praise from high-profile players such as NBA Hall of Famer Mitch Richmond and Red Bull’s King of the Rock champion Tarron Williams.
Coach Gil Llewellyn Died 4 Months after Being Diagnosed With Stage 4 Brain Cancer
According to various reports, Coach Gil Llewellyn passed away on Wednesday, July 30, 2025. He was diagnosed with stage 4 brain cancer roughly 4-5 months ago.
He went through chemotherapy and radiation. However, the cancer was a ganglioma, and not all of it could be taken out or killed.
David Vik took to his official Facebook handle to announce the tragic news. He wrote,
Many of you did not know that Gil Llewellyn was diagnosed with stage 4 brain cancer roughly 4-5 months ago. He went through chemo and radiation; however, the cancer was a ganglioma, and all of it couldn’t be taken out nor killed. Gil fought as hard as he could and finally succumbed to cancer yesterday. He passed away peacefully in Las Vegas. If anyone wants more information please reach out. He did not want anyone outside of his closest friends to know.
David Vik
Dave Heath, a parks and recreation superintendent at Bullhead City, Arizona, also took to his Facebook handle and mourned the loss of Gil. He wrote,
It is with a super heavy heart that I want to recognize the passing of my friend, Gil Llewellyn. Coach Gil straight up lived basketball. He wanted to help kids to love it, too. He ran several camps for us and the kids always had a blast. On top of all that, he was just a really nice guy. I’m definitely going to miss him. I think our community is going to miss him.
Dave Heath
Vegas Royals also poured their heartfelt condolences and sent prayers to Gil’s family. They stated,
Good afternoon Royal Nation we are very saddened to announce that one of our Sponsors and Royals Biggest Fan Gil Llewellyn passed away. Gil will forever be in our Hearts and we are sending out prayers to his family. We Love You Coach Gil
Vegas Royals
Other closed ones and relatives have also poured their heartfelt condolences and sent prayers to Gil’s family to stay strong in this challenging time.
The funeral service schedule will soon be made available by Gil’s family. Rest in Peace, Gil Llewellyn.
Gil Llewellyn IS Survived By His Parents And Sisters
Coach Gil Llewellyn was born in New York, United States, to his father, Gil Llewellyn Jr., and his mother, Sandra Goldman.
Although his parents stayed away from the media spotlight, they always supported Gil in achieving his academic and athletic goals.
Currently, Gil and Sandra are mourning the death of their son, Gil Llewellyn.
Gil is also survived by his sisters: Melissa Llewellyn and Dejah Obrigewiitsch.
As per Gil’s Facebook handle, he got engaged on February 15, 2025. He didn’t reveal the name of his fiancée.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Gil attended John Marshall High School from 1985 to 1988. Later, he attended the International Society of Arboriculture – certified Arborist training from 1998 to 1999.
- He was an assistant coach and player at the ABA’s Inglewood Cobras.
