Veteran NBC sports broadcaster Dan Hicks has died at the age 64, his wife, Hannah Storm, announced in a post on X on Nov. 12
“Our family is heartbroken by the sudden and unexpected passing of Dan following an acute illness,” the ESPN broadcaster 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.”
“Our three daughters and I are heartbroken,” she continued. “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.”
Craig Melvin got choked up while announcing Hicks’ death on the 3rd hour of TODAY on Nov. 12.
“Our thoughts are with Hannah and those three adorable girls. And over the years, they’ve become …” he said.
“Part of our family,” Al Roker said.
“Part of our family,” Craig confirmed. “And Lindsay and I just had dinner with him. So, he will be missed. He will be sorely missed.”
NBC’s Mike Tirico also honored Hicks’ memory in a TODAY segment aired Nov. 13, saying, “He had more big moments on his plate and nailed every big moment. You can’t think of a moment that Dan didn’t have the right call, the right energy, the right words.”
Fellow sportscaster Jimmy Roberts added, “I’m just sad that he’s not here to hear all these folks saying kind things about him because he deserves it.”
Hicks led NBC Sports’ coverage of the PGA Tour since 2000. He was also the play-by-play announcer for Notre Dame football games and covered 16 Olympics for NBC, dating back to 1992. He famously called the moment that Michael Phelps won his eighth gold medal at the 2008 Olympic Games.
“Dan Hicks was an extraordinary colleague, friend and person,” NBC Sports 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,” the statement read.
“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.”
The PGA Tour mourned the sports announcer.
“We are devastated by the sudden loss of Dan Hicks. For more than 25 years leading NBC golf coverage, Dan’s voice filled our living rooms with his steady narration of countless golf broadcasts, calling some of the game’s biggest moments,” the organization said in a statement.
Notre Dame Athletics also posted a tribute, stating, “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and loved ones.”