It is with great sadness to report the passing of longtime ESPN anchor Stuart Scott. He was 49. Details inside…..
The sports world has been shaken up with news that longtime ESPN anchor Stuart Scott passed away this morning, confirmed by ESPN. At age 49, the popular ESPN announcer was a staple in sports entertainment news and single handedly created a slew of catchphrases such as “BOOYAH” and “As cool as the other side of the pillow".
Sports fans have watched the ESPN commentator on television for years after he became a familiar personality on ESPN’s “Sports Center” and reporting on the network’s NFL and NBA programming since 1993.
Over the years, fans watched Stuart’s health gradually decline, but he never stopped fighting even after being diagnosed with cancer on three separate occasions. In 2007, he was first diagnosed with cancer of the appendix while undergoing an appendectomy. Then in 2011, doctors found tumors in his small intestine. He underwent surgery and chemotherapy and was cancer free up until January 2014. He revealed he had been diagnosed with cancer yet again.
But…he always kept a positive spirit and vowed to fight to the end. This summer, Stuart was awarded the Jimmy V Award at the 2014 ESPYS. He took the stage and delivered a very inspiring and motivational speech. Days before he accepted his award, his body had almost completely shut down where he had to endure four surgeries in the week leading up to the awards show. During his speech he said,
“When you die, it does not mean that you lose to cancer,” Scott told the audience. “You beat cancer by how you live, why you live, and in the manner in which you live.”
Stuart leaves behind his girlfriend Kristen Spodobalski (above, left) and his two lovely daughters 19-year-old Taelor (not pictured) and 15-year-old Sydni (above), whom he had with his ex-wife, Kimberly Scott.
Stuart’s passing definitely leaves a void in sports entertainment news. Our condolences go out to the family and may he rest in peace.
Photos: Getty
