Tributes pour in after death of ESPN’s John Saunders
ESPN announced on Wednesday that anchor John Saunders had died at the age of 61, and the news caught many by surprise.
There were no details, but Saunders clearly touched a number of people:
John Saunders was the standard for us at ESPN. Always helping JDRF, a pleasure to be around. Devastating. Our Condolences to his family.
— Brian Kenny (@MrBrianKenny) August 10, 2016
I'm shocked, saddened. Can't believe one of the best, John Saunders, has passed away at 61. All time great guy. Heartbroken for his family.
— Linda Cohn (@lindacohn) August 10, 2016
RIP John Saunders. Thanks for being a mentor and class act. I will miss you dearly.
— Jalen Rose (@JalenRose) August 10, 2016
The news of John Saunders' death could not be more crushing. We all loved him dearly. We grieve. We will miss him. Can't replace the man.
— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) August 10, 2016
A heartbreaking, crushing loss. John Saunders was a giant of sports journalism and a true gen. We'll miss him. RIP. pic.twitter.com/r7LFeIzBld
— Don Van Natta Jr. (@DVNJr) August 10, 2016
Sunday was just another day of the week until John Saunders came on my TV. Rest in peace, my friend.
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) August 10, 2016
Awful news out of ESPN: commentator John Saunders died at the age of 61.
— John Ourand (@Ourand_SBJ) August 10, 2016
Stunned and saddened by the passing of John Saunders. He's the best @ESPN has to offer. #RIP
— Matt Barrie (@MattBarrie) August 10, 2016
John Saunders was a better person than a host, which is saying something. Classy. Professional. I can't even describe his impact on me.
— Jemele Hill (@jemelehill) August 10, 2016
Wow I am devastated with the news about my buddy John Saunders / A gr8 family man / just a fab guy RIP Love You pic.twitter.com/CuBIPu57Rz
— Dick Vitale (@DickieV) August 10, 2016
Our thoughts are with the family and friends of John Saunders. Rest in peace.
— Washington Redskins (@Redskins) August 10, 2016
So sad to hear about John Saunders passing away. His decency shined through the TV screen.
— Andrew Baggarly (@extrabaggs) August 10, 2016
Very sad day for all of at @ESPN as our friend & colleague, John Saunders has passed away at 61. Simply a good man. pic.twitter.com/tRZUez9RhH
— Fran Fraschilla (@franfraschilla) August 10, 2016
Very saddened to hear of the passing of longtime ESPN anchor John Saunders pic.twitter.com/1RgkwxezRc
— Minor League Promos (@MiLBPromos) August 10, 2016
Doubt you'll find anyone who doesn't have John Saunders on their list of ESPN GOATs. He was simply awesome.
— Feitelberg (@FeitsBarstool) August 10, 2016
When John learned I was having a daughter, he was so thoughtful. So helpful. So JOYFUL in explaining a the role of a father to a little girl
— Scott Van Pelt (@notthefakeSVP) August 10, 2016
John Saunders worked at ESPN since 1986. He was a founding board member of V Foundation. He hosted Sports Reporters. He was 61 and beloved.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 10, 2016
I’m going to miss my brother John Saunders. #RIP https://t.co/oor4KyPa6T
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) August 10, 2016
Pete Grathoff: 816-234-4330, @pgrathoff
This story was originally published August 10, 2016 at 10:39 AM.