Thurmond suri 2016. aasta 16. juulil 74-aastaselt [[leukeemia]]sse.<ref>[http://www.espn.com/blog/statsinfo/post/_/id/121510/in-era-of-great-centers-nate-thurmond-was-among-the-best "In era of great centers, Nate Thurmond was among the best"]. ESPN. 16. juuli 2016. Vaadatud 3.12.2016.</ref>