Bison Dele: What Happened to the NBA Champion Who Vanished at Sea?
What Happened to Bison Dele?
Bison Dele, born Brian Carson Williams, was a 1997 Chicago Bulls champion who vanished at sea in 2002. He was traveling in French Polynesia with his girlfriend Serena Karlan, boat captain Bertrand Saldo, and his older brother, Miles Dabord, born Kevin Williams. Dele, Karlan, and Saldo were never found. Investigators believed Dabord was responsible, but he died before he could be charged or tried.
From NBA Champion to Free Spirit
Bison Dele was born Brian Williams in 1969. He played professional basketball in the NBA and won a championship with the Chicago Bulls in 1997. He was talented, successful, and wealthy.
But Bison didn't want fame or fortune. In 1999, at age 30, he walked away from a $36 million contract to live life on his own terms. He changed his name from Brian Williams to Bison Dele, traveled the world, and pursued his passions—music, philosophy, and sailing.
In 2002, Bison bought a catamaran and planned to sail across the South Pacific with his girlfriend, Serena Karlan. He invited his older brother, Miles Dabord (born Kevin Williams), and hired an experienced skipper, Bertrand Saldo.
It should have been the adventure of a lifetime. Instead, it became a mystery that has never been solved.
The Disappearance
In July 2002, Bison, Serena, Miles, and Bertrand set sail from Tahiti. For weeks, they traveled across the Pacific, stopping at various islands.
Then, in September 2002, Miles Dabord returned to the United States—alone.
Bison, Serena, and Bertrand were gone.
The Investigation
When Bison's family couldn't reach him, they became concerned. They contacted authorities, who began investigating.
They discovered that Miles had been trying to access Bison's bank accounts. He had forged documents. He had sold Bison's boat. He was acting erratic and paranoid.
When police tried to question Miles, he refused to cooperate. He claimed Bison, Serena, and Bertrand had "gone overboard" but wouldn't provide details.
Before authorities could arrest him, Miles overdosed on insulin and died in a California hospital on September 27, 2002.
He took the truth with him.
What Happened to Bison Dele?
No one was ever charged in the disappearance of Bison Dele, Serena Karlan, and Bertrand Saldo. Investigators believed Miles Dabord was responsible after he returned alone, used Bison Dele’s identity, and attempted to access his money. Dabord died in September 2002 before investigators could question him fully or bring charges. Because the three missing people were never found, the exact circumstances of their deaths were never established.
What Happened After Bison Dele Vanished?
Miles Dabord, born Kevin Williams, was Bison Dele’s older brother. After Dele, Serena Karlan, and Bertrand Saldo disappeared in 2002, Dabord returned to the United States alone and used Dele’s identity while trying to access his money. Investigators suspected Dabord was responsible for the disappearances, but he died in September 2002 before he could be charged or tried in connection with their deaths.
Was Bison Dele Ever Found?
No. Bison Dele, Serena Karlan, and Bertrand Saldo were never found after the 2002 sailing trip. Because their bodies were not recovered, no official cause of death was established. Investigators believed the three died at sea, but the exact circumstances remain unresolved.
What Was Bison Dele’s Cause of Death?
Bison Dele’s official cause of death was never determined because his body was never recovered. Investigators believed he died at sea in 2002, but the exact cause and circumstances of his death were never established.
Why Was Bison Dele Also Known as Brian Williams?
Bison Dele was born Brian Carson Williams. He played in the NBA under the name Brian Williams, including on the Chicago Bulls’ 1997 championship team. After leaving basketball, he changed his name to Bison Dele to honor his mother’s Cherokee heritage and to live outside the public identity he had built as an NBA player.
Who Was Serena Karlan?
Serena Karlan was Bison Dele’s girlfriend and was traveling with him in French Polynesia in 2002. She disappeared along with Bison Dele and boat captain Bertrand Saldo. She was never found.
Who Was Bertrand Saldo?
Bertrand Saldo was the experienced boat captain traveling with Bison Dele, Serena Karlan, and Miles Dabord in French Polynesia in 2002. He disappeared along with Dele and Karlan and was never found.
The Legacy
Bison Dele was a unique individual—an NBA champion who chose freedom over fame, adventure over wealth. He walked away from millions to live authentically.
His life was cut short by someone he trusted: his own brother.
Serena Karlan and Bertrand Saldo were also victims of Miles Dabord's violence. Their families never got justice. Their bodies were never recovered.
The case of Bison Dele remains officially unsolved.
