Bison Dele
Born Brian Williams before changing his name to reflect his African ancestry, Dele was an American professional basketball player who played center for the NBA’s Orlando Magic, Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Clippers, Chicago Bulls and Detroit Pistons. Dele suddenly retired from the NBA while he was still in the prime of his career. The 33-year-old, after retiring, learned to sail and then bought a boat he named the Hakuna Matata.
He made it known to friends that he was going to sail it clear from Tahiti to Hawaii. On July 7, 2002, Dele, his girlfriend Serena Karlan, his brother Miles Dabord, and the captain of the boat Bertran Saldo set sail from Tahiti. Little did anyone know that would be the last day the NBA star would be seen. According to media reports, after setting sail, they never made it to Hawaii; Dele, Karlan, and Saldo disappeared at sea. On July 20, Dabord brought the boat into Tahiti; he was alone. Months later, Dabord was arrested in Phoenix trying to buy gold with one of his brother’s checks. He later committed suicide after being released on bail. To date, Dele, his girlfriend and Saldo have not been found, though many believe they were murdered by a jealous Dabord.
