The sports media world is reeling Thursday from the untimely death of Dan Hicks, longtime commentator for NBC Sports and the husband of ESPN broadcaster Hannah Storm.
Hicks passed away “suddenly and unexpectedly” at 64 following an acute illness, Storm announced this morning.
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“Our three daughters and I are heartbroken,” she wrote in a statement. “We are grateful for the love and support surrounding our family during this incredibly difficult time. There are simply no words to express how much he’ll be missed.”
While we can’t imagine what Storm and her daughters are going through, and she’s correct that no words can do their grief justice, it also must be recognized the immense hole Hicks’ death leaves in the sports world.
A 34-year veteran of NBC Sports, Hicks called everything for the network: NBA, NFL, golf, the Olympics and Notre Dame football. His voice chronicled several iconic moments, including the men’s 4×100 freestyle relay at the 2008 Summer Olympics and the 2014 Indianapolis Colts’ wild playoff comeback win over the Kansas City Chiefs. American sports.
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He will be missed in the booth, and the outpouring of love and support on social media today says as much.
Since news of Hicks’ death was confirmed, prominent sports media figures have been offering their tributes and condolences.
“God bless your family Hannah. Great broadcaster. Better man. My prayers are with you,” said ESPN’s Rece Davis.
“So sorry Hannah. Just heartbreaking. Dan was so admired and respected. Sending thoughts and love to your family,” added FS1’s Colin Cowherd.
“Hannah, I am so sorry. My heart is broken for you and your family. Dan was such a wonderful man. Sending you my deepest condolences and know you all will be in my prayers at this devastating time,” wrote former ESPN anchor Linda Cohn.
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“Just devastating news. Prayers to Hannah and everyone who knew and loved him. Thinking about so many at @NBCSports today, including my friend Rowdy Gaines,” chimed in NBC Sports’ Nicole Auerbach.
“Stunning heartbreak for Hannah and her family. No words,” ESPN’s Matt Barrie said.
“Such sad news. Dan was wonderful company, a consummate pro and always encouraging. He will be missed. RIP pal,” added Golf Channel’s Eamon Lynch.
“This is hard to believe. Dan was the best. RIP my friend. You will be missed,” wrote skiing legend Lindsey Vonn.
Hicks was slated to broadcast this Saturday’s Notre Dame-Boston College game on NBC alongside Jason Garrett and Caroline Pineda. His final assignment was calling the Fighting Irish’s win over Stanford on Oct. 10.
The post Sports world pays tribute to NBC Sports’ Dan Hicks after sudden passing appeared first on The Comeback: Today’s Top Sports Stories & Reactions.
