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Longtime ESPN broadcaster John Saunders dead at age 61

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John Saunders

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Longtime ESPN broadcaster John Saunders died on Wednesday. He was 61 years old.

Longtime ESPN broadcaster John Saunders has died. He was 61 years old.

Brought to tears by the news, ESPN anchor Hannah Storm announced Saunders’ death on ‘Sportscenter’ Wednesday.

Saunders joined ESPN in 1986. Most recently, he hosted ‘The Sports Reporters’ and anchored ABC’s college football studio show. Previously, he has done play-by-play for college basketball and the WNBA, and hosted coverage of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, World Series, and Final Four.

“John was an extraordinary talent and his friendly, informative style has been a warm welcome to sports fans for decades,” said John Skipper, president of ESPN and co-chairman of Disney Media Networks, in a statement. “His wide range of accomplishments across numerous sports and championship events is among the most impressive this industry has ever seen. 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.

“He was one of the most significant and influential members of the ESPN family, as a colleague and mentor, and he will be sorely missed. Our thoughts are with his loved ones at this extremely difficult time.”

A cause of death was not announced.

Saunders is survived by wife, Wanda, and daughters Aleah and Jenna.

Saunders was born in Ontario, Canada, and played hockey at Western Michigan University from 1974-76.

ESPN colleagues and fellow broadcasters paid tribute to Saunders on social media as the news of his death spread on Wednesday.