Last Thursday, the Northern Nevada community lost a beloved figure, Kirk Davidson, who passed away unexpectedly at 53 after suffering a heart attack.
The news sent shockwaves through his friends, former teammates, and family, leaving a legacy of love, athleticism, and dedication.
Kirk was more than just a former basketball player—he was a proud father, a devoted husband to his wife Kelly, and a man whose impact touched countless lives.
Kirk Davidson’s Wife, Kelly, Was No Stranger To The World Of Sports
A former volleyball star at the University of Nevada, Kelly (Martin) was a three-time second-team All-Big West pick in 1994.
She met Kirk in 1989 when he began college basketball at Brigham Young University (BYU).
Their paths crossed during those early college days, sparking a connection that would last a lifetime.
After a brief stint at BYU, where he played three games during the 1989-90 season, Kirk returned to Northern Nevada to join the Wolf Pack.
It was there, in Reno’s familiar surroundings, that their relationship deepened.
Kelly, a standout athlete in her own right, brought her passion for competition to their partnership.
Together, they built a life rooted in family, sports, and mutual support.
While details about Kelly’s volleyball career remain scarce, her role as the steady heart of the Davidson family shines through in the stories shared by those who knew them.
She stood by Kirk through his career, injuries, and eventually, his unexpected passing, raising three remarkable sons.
Kirk and Kelly raised three boys—Nick, Zack, and Blake, who inherited their parents’ love for basketball and their competitive spirit.
For Kirk, watching his sons grow into talented athletes was a source of immeasurable pride.
Nick, the eldest, spent the last four seasons with the Nevada Wolf Pack, following in his father’s footsteps. He earned all-conference honors before announcing his transfer to Clemson just previous week.
Zack, meanwhile, carved his path, playing the last two seasons at Montana and competing in this year’s NCAA Tournament.
He also recently entered the transfer portal, hinting at new adventures ahead.
The youngest, Blake, had signed to play for Nevada next season, but plans shifted after his father’s passing—he’s now expected to join Nick at Clemson this summer.
The boys succeeded on the court because of Kirk’s influence.
At 6-foot-10, he’d been a towering presence in his playing days, and though foot injuries cut his career short, he passed down his skills and determination to his sons.
They grew up as his pride and joy, each carrying a piece of their father’s legacy.
Kirk’s Basketball Story Began At Reed High School In The Late 1980s
His talent was undeniable, carrying him to BYU before he returned to play for Nevada from 1991 to 1993.
At Nevada, he appeared in 52 games, serving as co-captain and averaging 5.2 points and 2.3 rebounds in about 12 minutes per game.
His shooting was exceptional for a big man—64.7 percent from the field—thanks to a soft touch that Stevens called “awesome” for someone his size.
However, injuries plagued him, particularly his feet, forcing him to adapt and eventually step away from the game.
Still, Kirk didn’t let that define him.
He stayed in great shape long after his playing days, embracing a health-conscious lifestyle that made his sudden heart attack all the more shocking to those who knew him.
After basketball, Kirk built a successful career in Southern California’s pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, specializing in oncology, rare diseases, and neurology.
He thrived in his work, bringing the same dedication he’d shown on the court to helping others through science and medicine.
When news of Kirk’s passing broke, tributes poured in from friends, former teammates, and even strangers touched by his story.
One person wrote,
“Condolences to Nick and the family. My wife and I had the pleasure of meeting Kirk when Nick was a redshirt. Kirk was just an all around great guy and shared his story. Prayers are with you…”
Via Facebook
Another added,
“Prayers to the family!
Via Facebook
I had the chance to work with Kirk in his professional life, a great man and father.
RIP”
The outpouring of love underscored the kind of man Kirk was—warm, approachable, and deeply caring.
He leaves behind Kelly, his sons Nick, Zack, Blake, his father Kirk Davidson Sr., brothers Clint and Todd, sister Kristie, and a wide circle of family and friends.
While Kirk’s basketball achievements and fatherly pride often took center stage, Kelly was the quiet strength holding it all together.
A former volleyball player turned loving mother of three, she shared Kirk’s journey from their college days to raising a family of athletes.
As she navigates this unimaginable loss, Kelly remains the steady presence her sons lean on—just as she always has.
Kirk Davidson’s life was one of passion, resilience, and love. His wife Kelly stood by him through it all, and together they built a family that continues to shine.
Though he’s gone too soon, his spirit lives on in the courts where his sons play, in the memories of those who knew him, and in the heart of the woman who loved him most.
