Who was David Benner, and how was he related to Indiana Pacers? Exploring his significance to the franchise

The Indiana Pacers put out a press release Wednesday afternoon that longtime employee David Benner had died. He was the team's director of media relations, a position he held for nearly three decades before stepping down in 2022.

Benner was born and raised in central Indiana, and sports were always a big part of his life. While attending Indiana University, his career began as he landed a job writing for the local newspaper. Shortly after, he was given a full-time position to cover the Indiana Pacers, the team he grew up watching.

After being a beat writer covering the Pacers for nearly a decade, he shifted to college where he wrote about football and basketball. Then, in 1994, the Pacers reached out to him to work in their public relations department.

Many left heartbroken by news of David Benner's death

During his 28 years with the Indiana Pacers, David Benner had countless positive interactions with NBA personnel. Following the news of his death, many spoke on what a kindhearted person he was.

Pacers President of Basketball Operations Kevin Pritchard had nothing but great things to say about what a foundational piece he was to the organization:

"He had an infectious personality and a wonderful sense of humor that was evident to anyone who was ever fortunate enough to meet him. David was fiercely loyal and incredibly protective of this franchise, our playersnand coaches for nearly three decades of service in his role, humbly and dutifully providing invaluable guidance and counsel during that time, while also becoming a cherished friend and confidante to so many."

Pacers CEO Rick Fuson also praised the work Benner did with the organization:

"David was respected across the league and across the city as a consummate professional, and he was a mentor and a friend to so many in our industry and beyond. Most importantly, for me, he was a wonderfully kind and decent man, a person with incredible integrity who always had the best interests of his players and coaches at the center of all he did."

This love was not just from people within the Pacers' organization, but the league as a whole. ESPN's Tim Bontemps took the time to touch on the interactions he's had with Benner dating to the early days of his career.