Dan Hicks, a beloved sportscaster known for his work in golf, Olympic swimming, and Notre Dame football, has passed away at the age of 64. His family and NBC Sports confirmed the news, expressing their deep sorrow over his sudden death.
Hicks died late Wednesday in Connecticut due to an acute illness. He was scheduled to commentate on a Notre Dame game this Saturday, making his unexpected passing all the more shocking for fans and colleagues alike.
“Our family is heartbroken by the sudden and unexpected passing of Dan,” his wife, Hannah Storm, shared in a heartfelt statement. “He was a devoted husband, a loving father, and a cherished friend. His loss is immeasurable.”
Hicks was a prominent voice in sports broadcasting for over 35 years, joining NBC in 1992 after a stint at CNN. He was most recognized as the lead announcer for golf, swimming, and skiing at the Olympics, as well as for Notre Dame football. In a previous interview, Hicks reflected on his long career, stating, “I’m incredibly lucky to stay at one place this long.”
His passion for golf was particularly notable, as he called 27 tournament victories by legendary golfer Tiger Woods. One of the most memorable moments occurred during the 2008 U.S. Open when Woods, playing through significant injuries, made a dramatic birdie putt to force a playoff. Hicks famously remarked, “Expect anything different?” as the ball curled into the hole.
Throughout his career, Hicks called numerous prestigious events, including the Ryder Cup, British Open, and The Players Championship. His contributions to golf were recognized by the PGA Tour, which stated, “The sound of his voice is woven into our memories of the game.”
Hicks was also a versatile announcer for the Olympics, covering a total of 16 Games—nine Summer and seven Winter. He began his Olympic career in 1992 at the Barcelona Games and was known for his engaging storytelling alongside fellow commentator Rowdy Gaines. Together, they shared the excitement of Michael Phelps’ eight gold medals at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and Katie Ledecky’s incredible achievements over four Olympic cycles.
Gaines expressed his deep sorrow over Hicks’ passing, stating, “He made me laugh like no other person ever has. We shared thousands of races and a friendship that went way beyond the pool deck.”
In addition to golf and swimming, Hicks also covered alpine skiing and speed skating during the Winter Olympics. Two-time Olympic champion Ted Ligety praised Hicks for his ability to tell athletes’ stories and his genuine curiosity about sports, which made him a standout commentator.
Hicks had a special connection to Notre Dame, having called games for the Fighting Irish in two separate stints. His contributions to the university were recognized by athletic director Pete Bevacqua, who described Hicks as a “fixture” in the broadcast booth and a dear friend.
Survived by his wife Hannah and their three daughters, Hicks leaves behind a legacy as one of sports broadcasting’s most respected and beloved figures. His impact on the world of sports and the lives he touched will not be forgotten.
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AP Sports Writer Pat Graham in Denver and AP Golf Writer Doug Ferguson in Jacksonville, Florida, contributed to this report.
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