Former NBA star and friend of Justin Bieber is found dead in his pool after tripping on stairs, hitting his head and falling in

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A former NBA star has been found dead in his pool after tripping, hitting his head and falling in.

Jackson Vroman, 34, was at his home in Los Angeles County, California, on Monday when he drowned, the coroner's office confirmed. 

The naturalized American Lebanese player who was friends with a host of celebrities, including Justin Bieber and Reggie Bush, was the 31st pick in the NBA Draft in 2004 and went on to play for Phoenix Sun and the New Orleans Hornets.

Dan Bilzerian, a popular social media figure dubbed the 'King of Instagram', first revealed the cause of his death after he tweeted a response to earlier reports Vroman was killed in a car crash.

'He was sitting down, he got up to go inside the house, tripped on the stairs, hit his head and drown [sic] in the pool,' he wrote. 

Bilzerian, a professional poker player, uploaded a picture of the athlete in a private jet with a dog on his lap after hearing the news of his death. 

He added: 'One of my best friends passed away today, everyone who knew him loved him, Godspeed my brother.'

Bush, the San Francisco 49ers running back and a close friend of Vroman, posted an image of the pair playing beach volleyball together with pals - something they did on a regular basis.

He wrote: 'Love you bro I miss you already can't believe your [sic] gone I pray that God has mercy on your soul at the gates of Heaven and we meet again in the after life! 

'I promise to continue our vision of Beach Volleyball Thursday's in your honor and I thank God for allowing me to spend time with you on your final days on earth!

'RIP JAX aka The Gentle Giant.'

He carried on his professional career overseas until 2014 in countries including Spain, Lithuania, Iran, South Korea, The Phillipines and last year, Puerto Rico. 

His father Brett played for Utah Jazz during the 1980-81 season. 

Vroman was regarded as one of the best college players in the U.S. before he was drafted.

After successful stints at Snow Community College in Ephraim, Utah, and Iowa State, he was chosen second round by the Chicago Bulls in 2004.

He was then traded and eventually ended up in Arizona.  

The Suns posted a statement on Twitter which read: 'We are very saddened to learn of the passing of Jackson Vroman. Our thoughts are with his family during this time.'

The New Orleans Pelicans also wrote: 'The Pelicans are deeply saddened by the news of Jackson Vroman’s passing. Our condolences go out to his family during this difficult time.'

The Lebanese basketball team also wrongly tweeted that Vroman was in a car accident.

A cause of death is not yet known. An autopsy is believed to be scheduled for later this week.