D’Mitri Dunson Riggs Basketball Obituary Normal IL Death:- The basketball community in Central Illinois is mourning the loss of D’Mitri Dunson Riggs, a respected coach, mentor and the owner of D1 Skills Academy, who has died.
His passing has left a profound impact on players, families and fellow coaches across Normal and his hometown of Bloomington. Riggs was widely known for his quiet leadership and his ability to connect with athletes beyond the court.
As the founder and owner of D1 Skills Academy, a role he held since June 2019, he dedicated himself to developing young players’ fundamentals while instilling confidence, discipline and character. Parents and athletes alike credit him with helping players maximize their potential and approach the game without fear.
A graduate of Bloomington High School, Riggs continued his basketball journey at Wabash Valley College and later Eastern Kentucky University, experiences that shaped his coaching philosophy and commitment to mentorship.
In a heartfelt tribute, a parent described Riggs as “a man of few words,” whose guidance carried weight because it came from the heart. His coaching style was described as calm in demeanor but powerful in impact, leaving lasting impressions on players both on and off the court.
Riggs lived in Normal and remained deeply rooted in the Bloomington–Normal basketball community. As friends, families and athletes grieve his death, many are calling for prayers for his loved ones, his players and the broader basketball family he helped build.
His legacy endures in the confidence he inspired, the lives he influenced and the community he strengthened.