Ex-NBA star Darryl Dawkins has died at the age of 58.

Dawkins spent 14 seasons in the NBA, playing for the likes of the Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets and Utah Jazz before he retired from professional basketball in 2000.

His family announced that he died this morning at hospital after a heart attack.

His family released a statement saying: "Darryl touched the hearts and spirits of so many with his big smile and personality, ferocious dunks, but more than anything, his huge, loving heart."

Dawkins was reportedly nicknamed 'Chocolate Thunder' by singer Stevie Wonder.