The sports community is wrapping its arms around former ESPN broadcaster Michael Smith after he revealed that his wife, Sarah Owens Smith, passed away on December 15, 2025, following a two-year battle with glioblastoma.
Smith, who spent years on ESPN alongside Jemele Hill and other prominent personalities, shared the heartbreaking news during an appearance on 104.3 The Score this Thursday. His voice carried both sorrow and admiration as he described the woman who meant everything to him.
A Love Story Remembered
"I've found peace in talking about my wife as opposed to talking about the struggle that she endured for two years," Smith said. "She was the most thoughtful, selfless, generous, caring, dedicated person you'd ever want to meet. I know you hear that about a lot of people, but my wife was an angel."
Smith and Sarah were married for 20 years and raised three children together: Savannah, Mason, and Maya. In her obituary, Sarah was remembered as a force of nature—a black belt in Taekwondo, a former community service chair for the Greater Hartford Chapter of Jack & Jill of America, Inc., and the host of the "Stay-At-Home Mom? Yeah Right!" podcast, where she empowered mothers around the world.
An Outpouring of Support
Smith's former colleagues were quick to share their love and admiration. Jemele Hill wrote a touching tribute: "I know Mike would never make this about himself, but his dedication to his wife as she battled glioblastoma represented the kind of love between two people that is just so rare. Sarah was his everything and vice versa."
Bomani Jones called Smith "one of the best men i'll ever know," while NBA reporter Chris Broussard added, "Much love to Michael & his family. He's a tremendous brother. The few times I met his wife, Sarah, she seemed absolutely wonderful. Prayers up for the whole family."
Former ESPN host Elle Duncan recalled witnessing Smith's caregiving firsthand: "I can not properly convey to you the love and care I witnessed this man give during her battle. It was the most beautiful thing I've ever seen."
Andrew Marchand of The Athletic simply called Smith's remembrance "beautiful."
A Legacy of Strength and Kindness
Smith's words about his wife painted a picture of a woman who touched everyone she met. "She remembered everybody's birthday, she sent thank you cards for everything, she bought gifts for everyone. People say there's no playbook for parenthood, but I beg to differ. She was an incredible mother," he said.
The sports world has seen its share of tragedy recently, including the loss of SUNY Potsdam basketball captain Emily Smith, but Michael Smith's openness about his grief has sparked a wave of prayers and support that shows how deeply he is respected.
As fans and colleagues continue to send their thoughts, Smith's message of peace through remembrance offers a powerful lesson. He's choosing to focus on Sarah's life and love rather than the struggle of her illness. That's the kind of strength that defines not just a great broadcaster, but an extraordinary human being.
