ESPN SportsCenter anchor Hannah Storm was tasked with announcing the death of long-time colleague John Saunders on the air.
At just 61 years of age, John Saunders, a staple of ESPN for three decades, passed away this morning.
Hannah Storm — one of Saunders’ colleagues at the network — attempted to fight back evident emotion as she broke the news live on the air.
The entire sports world reacted in shock to the loss of a broadcasting legend:
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver released the following statement regarding the passing of John Saunders pic.twitter.com/jnhY74iprc
— NBA (@NBA) August 10, 2016
Devastating doesn’t even begin to describe how I’m feeling right now. John Saunders was a wonderful man, ultra pro & father figure.#RIP
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) August 10, 2016
So saddened by the news of John Saunders’ passing. What a kind, giving, talented man. A lot of heavy hearts at ESPN today.
— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) August 10, 2016
John Saunders left an extraordinary legacy. pic.twitter.com/oexhjGOD3T
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) August 10, 2016
My prayers are with John Saunders’ family, friends and colleagues. He will be missed. Rest In Peace John Saunders.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) August 10, 2016
