Ron Charles, star basketball player from St. Croix, dies at age 65

CHRISTIANSTED — Ronald Alexander “Ronche” Charles, the star basketball player who helped Magic Johnson win the NCAA college basketball national championship with Michigan State University in 1979, died today at the age of 65.

Charles’ death was announced this afternoon by Governor Albert Bryan Jr. during his weekly COVID-19 press briefing at Government House in St. Thomas. “I also want to say my condolences to the family of Ronald Charles,” Governor Bryan said. “Most of us know him as ‘Ronche, he played with Magic Johnson when they won the NCAA tournament. I understand that he passed away earlier today. My condolences goes to (them).”

Charles was born in St. Croix and played professionally on many teams, including the Chicago Bulls of the National Basketball Association (NBA). “Sad day, great teammate and life long friend,” Terry Donnelly said on X. “I will miss BoBo!”