Longtime ESPN reporter Chris Mortensen, who debuted for the Worldwide Leader in Sports in 1991, has passed away at the age of 72.
The ESPN PR X/Twitter account broke the sad news this afternoon, announcing that he had passed away on Sunday morning. ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro shared a statement on behalf of the network.
“He will truly be missed by colleagues and fans, and our hearts and thoughts are with his loved ones,” Pitaro said.
In Jan. 2016, “Mort” took a leave from ESPN after being diagnosed with Stage 4 throat cancer. He made a recovery and returned to the network soon after Mortensen announced that he was stepping away from broadcasting back in September.
He is survived by his wife, Micki, and son Alexander.
Our thoughts are with Mortensen’s family and friends during this time.
