Pro Basketball Hall of Fame center and three-time league MVP Moses Malone died of an apparent heart attack in Norfolk, Virginia early Sunday at the age of 60.

The colorful and powerful NBA legend was named one of the league's 50 greatest players and was also named league Finals MVP in 1983, when he and Julius Erving led the Philadelphia 76ers to the NBA title.

"It is with a deep sense of sadness that the Sixers family mourns the sudden loss of Moses Malone," the 76ers organization said in a released statement. "It is difficult to express what his contributions to this organization -- both as a friend and player -- have meant to us, the city of Philadelphia and his faithful fans."

Fellow 76ers legend Allen Iverson was among those taking to social media to express his sympathies, posting on Twitter, "My condolences to the family and friend of Moses Malone. You will truly be missed. Rest in peace Big Mo!!!

According to ESPN, Det. Jeffrey Scott of the Norfolk Police Department confirmed that Malone's body was found in his Norfolk hotel room, after he failed to show for a celebrity golf tournament he was scheduled to play in. Scott said there was no indication of foul play.

An undersized center for most of his career, Malone nonetheless dominated the paint, averaging a double-double of 21 points and 12 rebounds over his 20-year NBA career. He led the league in rebounding six times -- including five straight seasons from 1980-85. Malone's 16,212 rebounds rank fifth on the NBA's all-time list, while his 27,409 career points rank eighth. He was also a 12-time All-Star and still tops the history books in career offensive rebounds.

Malone was also the first player to make the boys-to-men-type jump, going directly from high school to the ranks of the pros, when he signed with the Utah Stars of the American Basketball Association in 1974. In the NBA, Malone also starred for the Rockets, Bullets, Hawks and Spurs.

"We are stunned and deeply saddened by the passing of Hall of Famer Moses Malone, an NBA legend gone far too soon," NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement. "Known to his legions of fans as the 'Chairman of the Boards,' Moses competed with intensity every time he stepped on the court.