BRISTOL, Conn. – John Saunders, a longtime sports announcer for ESPN and ABC, died Wednesday, according to a report ESPN.
Saunders, 61, hosted on-air programs and did play-by-play announcing on ESPN for nearly 30 years, according to the report.
"His wide range of accomplishments across numerous sports and championship events is among the most impressive this industry has ever seen," said ESPN president John Skipper. "More importantly, John was a beloved and devoted family man who cared deeply about people and causes, as evidenced by his long-standing efforts as a passionate board member for The V Foundation for Cancer Research."
According to ESPN, Saunders joined the network in 1986 as an anchor of the channel’s iconic recap show "SportsCenter."
Saunders is survived by his wife and two daughters, according to ESPN.
"Our generous, talented and beloved colleague John Saunders has died."
— ESPN (@espn) August 10, 2016
Hannah Storm remembers her longtime friend: https://t.co/zRukBCuJDv
We all at College Sports Nation are profoundly sad to learn of John Saunders' passing. A true icon of our industry.
— College Sports on SiriusXM (@SXMCollege) August 10, 2016