CONNECTICUT (THECOUNT) — Dan Hicks, the longtime NBC Sports broadcaster whose voice became synonymous with major golf tournaments and Olympic competition, has died following an acute illness. He was 64.
Hicks died late Wednesday, Nov. 11, in Connecticut, his family and NBC Sports announced Thursday. His wife, ESPN broadcaster Hannah Storm, confirmed his death in a statement, describing his passing as sudden and unexpected.
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“Our family is heartbroken by the sudden and unexpected passing of Dan following an acute illness,” Storm said. “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.”
Storm remembered her husband as someone whose energy, humor and kindness brought people together. She said he made everyone feel valued and that she and their daughters were grateful for the support they had received.
Hicks spent more than three decades at NBC Sports, joining the network in 1992 after beginning his broadcasting career at CNN in 1989. He became one of the network’s leading play-by-play announcers, covering the Olympics, PGA Tour events, Notre Dame football and other major sporting events.
He initially worked as a tower announcer for NBC’s golf coverage before being promoted to the network’s lead golf play-by-play role in 2000. Over the years, he became the signature voice of NBC’s golf broadcasts, calling major championships, Ryder Cups and some of the sport’s most memorable moments.
Among his most memorable calls was Tiger Woods’ dramatic putt at the 2008 U.S. Open, which forced a playoff. Hicks also called the United States men’s 4×100-meter freestyle relay team’s stunning victory at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, working alongside swimming analyst Rowdy Gaines.
Hicks covered Olympic swimming at eight consecutive Summer Games and also called Olympic skiing. His broadcast partners included golf analyst Johnny Miller and Gaines, with whom he helped bring some of the most memorable moments in Olympic swimming to television audiences.
NBC Sports executives Rick Cordella, Sam Flood and Molly Solomon called Hicks an extraordinary colleague, friend and broadcaster. They praised his storytelling, knowledge, enthusiasm and humor, while emphasizing that his kindness and encouragement extended well beyond the broadcast booth.
“Far beyond his on-air excellence, Dan was a better person who welcomed teammates with a smile, a joke, or a word of encouragement,” the executives said in a joint statement.
Versant CEO Mark Lazarus also remembered Hicks as a loyal friend and devoted family man. Lazarus said their friendship extended beyond their work at NBC Sports and offered condolences to Storm and their daughters.
Hicks is survived by Storm and their three daughters, Hannah, Ellery and Riley. His death marks the loss of a familiar voice for generations of viewers who followed golf, Olympic competition and college football.
Hicks died in Connecticut, according to the Associated Press. His family has not publicly identified a specific city or location.
Google Maps: Connecticut — state where Hicks died; exact location not disclosed
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