The Handball community worldwide, and particularly in America are in a state of shock this week with the sudden passing of legendary Handballer David Chapman. GAA Handball would like to express our condolences to the Chapman family and to our colleagues in the US on this untimely passing of a true great and a former 2 time World Senior Singles Champion.
Read below for statements from the USHA & WPH.
From United States Handball Association Website:
The Handball Family around the world mourns the passing of David Chapman. Chapman, 42, passed away suddenly in his home, Tuesday, October 10.
David Chapman was the youngest player to win a USHA National Four-Wall Open Singles Title at the age of 17 in 1993 when he defeated Randy Morones in the final. He also won the doubles that year. Chapman was a nine-time USHA Four-wall National Singles Champion, won two World Singles titles, held multiple doubles titles and was the No. 1 ranked pro handball player for nearly 10 years. Whenever there’s discussion on who was the best four-wall handball player ever, Chapman’s name is at or near the top of the list. In September, Chapman reached the final of the one-wall small ball final at the 3WALLBALL Outdoor Championships in Las Vegas.
Chapman’s death is a shock to all and our deepest sympathy goes to his family.
From World Players of Handball Executive Director Dave Vincent:
From unknown causes, handball champion, David Chapman, passed away at his home in St. Louis, Missouri late Tuesday (Oct 10th) night. The cause of death has been classified as unknown.
Chapman just made a comeback to the sport of handball after a four year layoff, where he made a splash in Vegas at the 3WB Outdoor World Championships (Taking second in X-Fest, as the best all-around player in the game) just two and a half weeks back. Chapman hosted handball players at his home a weekend before last, and was in great spirits and very happy with his life and new physical direction.
Chapman was focused on eating healthy, losing weight and playing handball again. He also planned on returning to the Professional Handball Tour w/a visit to the Montana Race stop in 2018 (Jan).
David Chapman was born June 26th, 1975 and passed away October 10th, 2017. David Chapman holds numerous records in Handball and had recent plans on Visiting (touring) the country playing handball and enjoying great company.
Here's a Retro Video of Chapman's that may be the most publicized one-off event in our game's 4 wall history:
Picture courtesy of WPH