Nicolaas Peter Vanos (April 13, 1963 – August 16, 1987) was an American professionalbasketball player for thePhoenix Suns of theNational Basketball Association (NBA). TheSan Mateo, California, native was selected 32nd by the Suns in the1985 NBA draft, after playing forHillsdale High School and collegiately atSanta Clara University. He played for the Suns as acenter on the team.^[1]

Nick Vanos

Personal information
Born	(1963-04-13)April 13, 1963 San Mateo, California, U.S.
Died	August 16, 1987(1987-08-16) (aged 24) Romulus, Michigan, U.S.
Listed height	7 ft 1 in (2.16 m)
Listed weight	225 lb (102 kg)
Career information
High school	Hillsdale (San Mateo, California)
College	Santa Clara (1981–1985)
NBA draft	1985: 2nd round, 32nd overall pick
Drafted by	Phoenix Suns
Playing career	1985–1987
Position	Center
Number	30
Career history
1985–1987	Phoenix Suns
Career highlights and awards
2× First-team All-WCC (1984, 1985) No. 32retired by Santa Clara Broncos
Stats at NBA.com
Stats atBasketball Reference

His career with the Suns lasted only two years before his death. On August 16, 1987, Vanos and his fiancée, Carolyn Cohen, boardedNorthwest Airlines Flight 255, after visiting his fiancée's parents, for a trip toPhoenix, Arizona.^[2] The plane crashed after takeoff from theDetroit Metropolitan Airport inRomulus, Michigan, killing 154 passengers and crew, including Vanos and his fiancée, as well as two motorists.^[3]

• List of basketball players who died during their careers

• Career statistics fromNBA.com   and Basketball Reference