Legendary NBC Sports broadcaster Dan Hicks died Wednesday after an acute illness, his family announced in a statement. He was 64 years old.
“Our family is heartbroken by Dan’s sudden and unexpected passing from an acute illness,” Hannah Storm, Hicks’ wife, said in a statement. “He was a devoted husband for over 30 years, a loving father to our three daughters and a 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 with. When he walked into a room, he brought together energy, laughter and people. He was endlessly kind, caring 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. There are simply no words to express how much we will miss him.”
Hicks was considered one of the most prominent sports commentators of his generation, calling a variety of high-profile events, including the Olympics, the PGA Tour and Notre Dame football.
After beginning his career at CNN, Hicks had been at NBC since 1992. He was a tour anchor for the network’s golf coverage until he was promoted to lead play-by-play role in 2000. Among his most famous on-air moments, 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 Beijing Olympics in 2008. His booth partners included Johnny Miller and Rowdy Gaines.
“Dan Hicks was an extraordinary colleague, friend and person,” Rick Cordella, Sam Flood and Molly Solomon of NBC Sports said in a statement. “During his 34 years at NBC Sports, he was an exceptional storyteller and host of games and events that elevated some of the greatest moments in sports history.
“From Olympic swimming and skiing to Notre Dame football, many other high-profile events and especially as the iconic voice of our golf coverage over the past 26 years, Dan’s blend of knowledge, enthusiasm and humor informed and entertained fans for decades. But far beyond his on-air excellence, Dan was a better person who greeted his teammates with a smile, a joke or a word of encouragement, sometimes all three in the same sentence. Our deepest condolences and love to his wife Hannah and his daughters Hannah, Ellery and Riley.
Mark Lazarus, CEO of Versant, added 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 best at what he did, but what I will remember most is the person he was: a loyal friend and devoted husband and father. My family and I thinking of Hannah, their children and the entire Hicks family. He will be missed.”
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