Hugh McElhenny Death: How Did Hugh McElhenny Die?

Hugh Edward McElhenny Jr. was a professional American football player.

He was born on December 31, 1928, in Los Angeles to Hugh and Pearl McElhenny. His father was a vending-machine distributor, and his mother was a homemaker.

McElhenny was a halfback in the National Football League from 1952 to 1964 for the San Francisco 49ers, Minnesota Vikings, New York Giants, and Detroit Lions.

As a high school athlete in Los Angeles in the 1940s, setting a national record in the high hurdles and state records in the low hurdles and long jump. He could run the 100-yard dash in 9.6 seconds.

McElhenny briefly attended the University of Southern California before becoming a football standout at Compton Junior College in Los Angeles.

Drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in 1952, McElhenny led the NFL in yards per carry (7.0) in his rookie season and had the league’s longest run from scrimmage (89 yards) and longest punt return (94 yards).

He scored 10 touchdowns: six by rushing, three on pass receptions and one on a punt return. After scoring five touchdowns in one game against the Chicago Bears in his first year, Mr. McElhenny was given a nickname that stuck with him throughout his career: the King.

McElhenny was a five-time first-team All-Pro selection and was named to the NFL’s 1950s All-Decade Team. He was a first-team All-American in 1951 with the Huskies, and his No. 39 is retired by the 49ers.

Upon retirement following the 1964 season, McElhenny was one of only three players to have amassed more than 11,000 all-purpose yards (11,375).

He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1970, and the College Football Hall of Fame in 1981.

After retiring as a player, McElhenny served as a color commentator on 49ers radio broadcasts from 1966 to 1972.

In his later life, McElhenny was diagnosed with a rare nerve disorder called Guillain–Barré syndrome which nearly killed him. He was paralyzed from the neck down and had surgery that didn’t work. His weight dropped precariously, from 210 pounds to 145. Someone had to feed him for 2 1/2 months and was forced to use a walker for a year.

Hugh McElhenny passed away peacefully on June 17, 2022, at his home in Henderson, Nevada. He was 93.

His memorial services and obituary are yet to be announced by the family.

Hugh McElhenny is survived by his daughters Karen McElhenny and Susan Ann Hemenway; a sister, Beverly Palmer; four grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. His wife, Peggy McElhenny, died in 2019.