Iconic NBC Sports announcer Dan Hicks dies at 64

Hicks passed away late Wednesday in Connecticut. He passed away of a severe disease, according to his better half, ESPN broadcaster Hannah Storm

“Our family is heartbroken by the sudden and unexpected passing of Dan,” Storm stated in a declaration published to social networks. “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.

“Dan was genuinely one of a kind and, rather just, the individual everybody wished to be around. When he strolled into a space, he brought the energy, the laughter and individuals together. He was constantly kind, thoughtful and amusing, and he made everybody seem like they mattered. “

Hicks was best referred to as the lead commentator for golf, along with swimming and snowboarding at the Olympics and Notre Dame football. He signed up with NBC in 1992 following 3 years at CNN.

“I’m incredibly lucky to stay at one place this long. It takes a lot of things going your way as far as NBC continuing to have the properties that I’ve been a part of through the years,” he stated throughout an Associated Press interview in September. “So lots of variables, lots of things that can happen in your career. But I think I appreciate it more and more the longer it’s been.”

Golf was Hicks’ preferred sport. He was on the call for 27 competition success by Tiger Woods, consisting of 3 at the U.S. Open. Hicks was a tower commentator from 1995-99 before taking control of as the primary voice in 2000.

“This is a tough one, I mean really tough,” his golf broadcast coworker and buddy Robert Maltbie informed Golf Channel

He called 27 U.S. Opens and 23 U.S. Women’s Opens in addition to the Ryder Cup, PGA Tour and British Open.

“Dan’s voice filled our living rooms with his steady narration of countless golf broadcasts, calling some of the game’s biggest moments,” the PGA Tour stated in a declaration. “The sound of his voice is woven into our memories of the game, and the warmth he brought to the broadcast was matched only by the kindness he showed those around him.”

USGA CEO Mike Whan included: “He was a true friend to the game and to the USGA, but more importantly, a wonderful person whose warmth, generosity, and friendship touched everyone fortunate enough to know him.”

Hicks likewise called swimming at the Olympics 8 times with Rowdy Gaines. The duo narrated Michael Phelps’ 8 gold medals at the 2008 Beijing Games and Katie Ledecky’s 14 medals throughout 4 Olympics (2012-24).

“Dan Hicks was an extraordinary colleague, friend and person,” NBC Sports’ Rick Cordella, Sam Flood and Molly Solomon stated in a declaration “He was an exceptional storyteller and caller of games and events who elevated some of the biggest moments in sports history.

“From Olympic swimming and snowboarding to Notre Dame Football, various other prominent occasions and particularly as the signature voice of our golf protection for the last 26 years, Dan’s mix of understanding design, interest and humor notified and captivated fans for years. Far beyond his on-air quality, Dan was a much better individual who invited colleagues with a smile, a joke, or a word of motivation, often all 3 in the exact same sentence.”