Legendary sports broadcaster Dan Hicks’ wife Hannah Storm released a heartbreaking tribute to her husband of more than 30 years, confirming his “sudden and unexpected” death.
“Our family is heartbroken by the sudden and unexpected passing of Dan following an acute illness,” she wrote. “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 cause of death was not further detailed.
In fact, his death was so sudden that Hicks “was scheduled to call the Notre Dame-Boston College football game Saturday in South Bend, Indiana for NBC and Peacock,” according to The New York Post. Storm is an ESPN “SportsCenter” anchor. Hicks was only 64 years old.
Dan Hicks’ Wife Hannah Storm Says She & Their 3 Daughters Are ‘Heartbroken’
Storm’s statement underscored the deep nature of the family’s grief. The couple’s three daughters are named Hannah, Ellery, and Riley.
“Dan was truly one of a kind and, quite simply, the person everyone wanted to be around,” she wrote. “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 declared, “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.”
Julie Chen Moonves and others posted tributes to Hicks on Storm’s Instagram comment thread. “My family and I are with you Hannah. Dan was truly a light in this world and a true gentleman. He always made my family feel so welcome in his presence,” she wrote.
Hannah Storm Wrote in June That She & Dan Hicks Were Looking Forward to ‘Another Great Year’
Heartbreakingly, Storm indicated in June that she was looking forward to more adventures with her husband.
“Happy Birthday to the one and only Dan the Man! Here’s to another great year and many more adventures ahead! 😍” she wrote.
She posted the same photo with Hicks to her page before his death. “What a special day at Lambeau Field for the Shamrock series! Dan the Man calling the game, my brother Mark joining on field and seeing friends who are part of the ND family! ☘️☘️☘️” she wrote then.
Both Storm and Hicks are legendary figures in sports broadcasting. 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,” according to the Golf Channel.
Dan Hicks’ Wife Hannah Storm Makes Emotional Statement on His Heartbreaking Death