Boston Celtics legend Bill Russell, who towered over pro basketball throughout the turbulent 1960s and stood tall against the era’s virulent racism, has died at the age of 88.⁠ ⁠ Russell's wife, Jeannine, was by his side at the time of his death, according to a statement posted to his verified Twitter page.⁠ ⁠ "Perhaps you'll relive one or two of the golden moments he gave us, or recall his trademark laugh as he delighted in explaining the real story behind how those moments unfolded," the statement says. ⁠ ⁠ "And we hope each of us can find a new way to act or speak up in Bill's uncompromising, dignified, and always constructive commitment to principle."⁠ ⁠ 📷️ Dick Raphael / NBAE via @gettyimages