Paul Allen, the owner of the Seattle Seahawks and the NBA team Portland Trail Blazers, died Monday evening at the age of 65. This was announced by his family. The co-founder of Microsoft was last diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma several times.
Allen announced earlier this month that the disease, which he had first diagnosed in 2009, had returned. As his family reported, complications occurred before his death.
“Paul’s family and friends were blessed to experience his wit, warmth, generosity and compassion,” Allen’s sister Jody said in a statement. “At this time of loss and grief for us – and for many others – we are deeply grateful for his concern and compassion, which he demonstrated daily.”
Allen acquired the Portland Trail Blazers in 1988 in the NBA as his first professional sports franchise. Eight years later he also bought the Seahawks, which under Allen celebrated their only three Super Bowl participations since 2000 and won Super Bowl XLVIII. In 2009 Allen also acquired the MLS franchise Seattle Sounders.
In 1975 Allen founded Micrososft together with Bill Gates. He also developed other companies and philanthropies, including the Allen Institute for Brain Research.