Longtime NBC Sports announcer Dan Hicks died at age 64 following a brief battle with an acute illness, according to a statement released by his family on Thursday, November 12.
Hicks, who spent more than three decades with NBC Sports and became one of the network’s most recognizable voices in golf and Olympic coverage, passed away Thursday morning.
His wife, ESPN broadcaster Hannah Storm, and their three daughters confirmed his passing in an emotional statement shared on social media.
“Our family is heartbroken by the sudden and unexpected passing of Dan following an acute illness,” the family announced.
“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.”
The family did not disclose the specific illness that led to Hicks’ passing.
Hannah Storm and Family Share Emotional Statement About Dan Hicks
Storm and Hicks had been married for more than 30 years and shared three daughters, Hannah, Ellery and Riley.
In their statement, the family remembered the longtime sportscaster for his personality and the relationships he built outside of his broadcasting career.
“Dan was truly one of a kind and, quite simply, the person everyone wanted to be around,” the statement continued.
“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.”
Storm also addressed the support the family has received following the unexpected loss.
“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 he will be missed.”
NBC Sports Pays Tribute to Dan Hicks After 34 Years With Network
NBC Sports executives Rick Cordella, Sam Flood and Molly Solomon issued a joint statement remembering Hicks’ broadcasting career and his relationships with colleagues.
“Dan Hicks was an extraordinary colleague, friend and person,” the executives said.
“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.”
Hicks joined NBC in 1992 after beginning his broadcasting career at CNN.
He initially worked as a tower announcer during the network’s golf coverage before becoming its lead play-by-play announcer in 2000.
Over the years, Hicks covered major golf tournaments, Olympic swimming and skiing, and Notre Dame football.
NBC executives highlighted the range of events he called throughout his career.
“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.”
They also remembered his interactions with coworkers.
“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.”
The executives concluded by offering their condolences to Storm and the couple’s daughters.
PGA Tour Remembers Dan Hicks’ Most Memorable Golf Broadcasts
The PGA Tour also released a statement honoring Hicks and his contributions to golf coverage.
“Across three decades, Hicks provided the soundtrack to some of golf’s most memorable moments,” the organization said.
“The Arizona native joined NBC in 1992 and assumed the network’s lead play-by-play role in 2000, his broadcast style defined by a steady delivery, unmistakable enthusiasm, and ability to capture the significance of a moment.”
Hicks was behind the microphone for several significant moments in professional golf, including Tiger Woods’ dramatic putt to force a playoff at the 2008 U.S. Open.
He also called the U.S. swimming team’s comeback during the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Throughout his career, Hicks worked alongside notable broadcasting partners, including Johnny Miller and Rowdy Gaines.
The PGA Tour highlighted his longstanding role in its tournament coverage.
“Hicks anchored weekend coverage of The Players Championship for nearly three decades and was behind the microphone for the evolution of the FedExCup, in addition to several major championships, bringing his composed approach to golf’s biggest stages.”
Former NBC Executive Mark Lazarus Remembers His Friendship With Hicks
Versant CEO Mark Lazarus, who previously worked with Hicks at NBC Sports, also shared a statement following the announcer’s passing.
“I am heartbroken by the sudden loss of our friend Dan Hicks,” Lazarus said.
“For decades, I had the privilege of working alongside Dan, but our friendship extended far beyond NBC Sports.”
Lazarus remembered Hicks as both a broadcaster and a longtime friend.
“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.”
He added, “My family and I are thinking of Hannah, their children and the entire Hicks family. We will miss him.”
Dan Hicks’ Cause of Death Revealed After Sudden Passing as NBC Sports and PGA Tour Pay Tribute