Taurian Fontenette, known as 'Air Up There', dies at 43
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Nov 3, 2026, 9:53 PM
Last updated Nov 3, 2026
Taurian Fontenette, a streetball legend known for his spectacular dunks, died at the age of 43. His sister confirmed his passing on Monday. Fontenette gained fame on the AND1 Mixtape Tour, particularly noted for performing the first documented 720-degree dunk in 2006. He was celebrated for his incredible athleticism and left a lasting impact on the basketball community. His legacy continues through his children, including son Taurian Jr., a standout athlete at Hitchcock High School.
- •Fontenette was known as 'Air Up There' and 'Mr. 720'.
- •He performed the first documented in-game 720-degree dunk in 2006.
- •Fontenette's sister announced his death via Facebook.
- •He starred on the AND1 Mixtape Tour until 2006.
- •His son, Taurian Jr., is a standout athlete at Hitchcock High School.
- 9:53 PMYahoo Sports — Houston hoops legend Taurian Fontenette, known as 'Air Up There', dead at 43
"The Hitchcock native turned an unlikely AND1 tryout into a legendary streetball career capped by an iconic 720-degree dunk.
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