The sports world is mourning the sudden loss of Dan Hicks, the beloved NBC announcer whose voice became synonymous with golf and Olympic coverage. He was 64.
Hicks' family, led by his wife, ESPN anchor Hannah Storm, confirmed his passing on Thursday morning, describing it as a sudden and unexpected tragedy following an acute illness.
“Our family is heartbroken by the sudden and unexpected passing of Dan following an acute illness. 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 shared in a statement.
She added, “Dan was truly one of a kind and, quite simply, the person everyone wanted to be around. When he walked into a room, he brought the energy, the laughter and the people together. He was endlessly kind, thoughtful and funny, and he made everyone feel like they mattered.”
NBC Sports also issued a heartfelt tribute, highlighting Hicks' 34-year tenure with the network. “Dan Hicks was an extraordinary colleague, friend and person. In his 34 years at NBC Sports, he was an exceptional storyteller and caller of games and events who elevated some of the biggest moments in sports history,” the statement read. “From Olympic swimming and skiing to Notre Dame football, numerous other high profile events and especially as the signature voice of our golf coverage for the last 26 years, Dan’s blend of knowledge, style, enthusiasm and humor informed and entertained fans for decades.”
The statement continued, “But far beyond his on-air excellence, Dan was a better person who welcomed teammates with a smile, a joke, or a word of encouragement, sometimes all three in the same sentence. Our heartfelt condolences and love to his wife Hannah and his daughters Hannah, Ellery and Riley.”
Hicks' final Instagram post, shared on October 12, was a touching celebration of his daughter Riley's performance in the Chicago Marathon. “Our girl did it again. 3rd major marathon in 18 months. Today she tackled Chicagp and we were there to marvel at her drive in hot weather and smashing her PR!” he wrote alongside three photos.
The Associated Press reported that Hicks died Wednesday in Connecticut. His career included calling 27 Tiger Woods victories, 27 U.S. Opens, and 23 U.S. Women's Opens, as well as multiple Summer Olympics and Notre Dame football games.
His passing has resonated deeply across the sports community. For those who followed his work, Hicks' broadcasting legacy is unforgettable. His wife's emotional words, calling his loss immeasurable, capture the depth of the family's grief. As fans and colleagues reflect on his life, many are also remembering the joy he found in his family, as seen in that final social media post.
Our thoughts are with his friends and family during this difficult time. May he rest in peace.
