Legendary NBC Sports broadcaster Dan Hicks died Wednesday following an acute illness, his family said in a statement. He was 64.
“Our family is heartbroken by the sudden and unexpected passing of Dan following an acute illness,” Hicks’ wife, Hannah Storm, said in a statement. “He was a devoted husband of over 30 years, loving father to our three daughters, and cherished friend to so many. His loss is immeasurable.
“Dan was truly one of a kind and, quite simply, the person everyone wanted to be around. When he walked into a room, he brought the energy, the laughter and the people together. He was endlessly kind, thoughtful and funny, and he made everyone feel like they mattered.
“Our three daughters and I are heartbroken. We are grateful for the love and support surrounding our family during this incredibly difficult time. These are simply no words to express how much he will be missed.”
Hicks was considered one of the preeminent sportscasters of his generation, calling a variety of high-profile events including the Olympics, PGA Tour and Notre Dame football.
After beginning his career at CNN, Hicks had been at NBC since 1992. He was a tower announcer for the network’s golf coverage until being promoted to the lead play-by-play role in 2000. Among his most famous moments on the air, Hicks called Tiger Woods’ dramatic putt to force a playoff at the 2008 U.S. Open as well as the U.S. swim team’s stunning comeback at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. His partners in the booth included Johnny Miller and Rowdy Gaines.
“Dan Hicks was an extraordinary colleague, friend and person,” NBC Sports’ Rick Cordella, Sam Flood and Molly Solomon said in a statement. “In his 34 years at NBC Sports, he was an exceptional storyteller and caller of games and events who elevated some of the biggest moments in sports history.
“From Olympic swimming and skiing to Notre Dame Football, numerous other high-profile events and especially as the signature voice of our golf coverage for the last 26 years, Dan’s blend of knowledge style, enthusiasm and humor informed and entertained fans for decades. But far beyond his on-air excellence, Dan was a better person who welcomed teammates with a smile, a joke, or a word of encouragement, sometimes all three in the same sentence. Our heartfelt condolences and love to his wife Hannah and his daughters Hannah, Ellery and Riley.”
Added Versant CEO Mark Lazarus in a statement, “I am heartbroken by the sudden loss of our friend Dan Hicks. For decades, I had the privilege of working alongside Dan, but our friendship extended far beyond NBC Sports. Dan was one of the very best at what he did, but what I will remember most is the person he was: a loyal friend and a devoted husband and father. My family and I are thinking of Hannah, their children and the entire Hicks family. We will miss him.”
Source: www.golfchannel.com
