Kings players mourn death of Joe Wong, Golden 1 Center security guard

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It’s a game day ritual. I walk down the long hall leading from the media room to the locker room. I fist bump arena personnel Kevin and Jerome by the players elevator and sometimes Carlos if he’s in the area. I greet Jerry at the locker room door and we exchange pleasantries.

When I walk to the floor, there are people that are stationed in the exact same spot, sometimes for years. From Singh to Larry to Victor to Michael to Lee to Tony and Greg - there is a massive Golden 1 Center family that keeps everything moving, and on Friday night, the Kings lost a memorable one.

Joe Wong, a loving husband and father of two passed away Friday evening after suffering a massive heart attack. He was 57 years old and clearly left an indelible mark on the players that became accustomed to seeing the security guard on a daily basis.

When we last saw Joe, he was sitting behind a desk in the players garage working security. Always had a kind word, a piece of candy and a stash of toys for any kid that made their way past his station.

Like so many others in the building, Joe made an impact. Without games, concerts or events filling up Golden 1 Center, we won’t have an opportunity to say goodbye in the proper way, but if you are so inclined, a Go Fund Me account has been set up in his honor.

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