BRISTOL, Conn. — John Saunders, best known for his work on ABC and ESPN, has died at the age of 61, ESPN announced on Wednesday.
Saunders was best known for his recent work on ESPN’s Sports Reporters. He joined ESPN in 1986.
Saunders was an advocate for juvenile diabetes research and is a founding board member of the Jimmy V Foundation for cancer research. John Skipper, president of ESPN and co-chairman of Disney Media Networks, issued a statement on Wednesday.
“John was an extraordinary talent and his friendly, informative style has been a warm welcome to sports fans for decades. 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.”
We are heartbroken to report longtime ESPN personality John Saunders has died. He was 61. pic.twitter.com/GeRy7wtqNv
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) August 10, 2016
So sorry to share tragic news. Beloved colleague John Saunders (joined ESPN in 1986) has passed away. Thoughts with his loved ones
— Josh Krulewitz (@jksports) August 10, 2016
Sickened and saddened to hear of loss of our colleague and friend, John Saunders. What a nice man. What a great man. pic.twitter.com/giwC23nSdM
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 10, 2016
So sad to hear abt John Saunders passing. Always heard from producers how talented & poised he was as a broadcaster & what a pro he was. RIP
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) August 10, 2016
John Saunders and I started the same week and were paired together on the 7pm SportsCenter in 1987. We remained close & shared everything.
— Tim Brando (@TimBrando) August 10, 2016
