ESPN announced Wednesday that John Saunders, for three decades one of its most visible and well-liked on-air personalities, has died at age 61.
The network did not provide a cause of death.
Saunders, who joined ESPN in 1986, handled a variety of hosting and play-by-play roles, notably succeeding Dick Schaap as host of the Sunday morning show "The Sports Reporters" in 2001.
Saunders was a founding member of the board of directors of The V Foundation for Cancer Research.
"John was an extraordinary talent and his friendly, informative style has been a warm welcome to sports fans for decades," ESPN president John Skipper said in a story posted on the network's website.
"His wide range of accomplishments across numerous sports and championship events is among the most impressive this industry has ever seen. More importantly, John was a beloved and devoted family man who cared deeply about people and causes, as evidenced by his longstanding efforts as a passionate board member for The V Foundation for Cancer Research.
"He was one of the most significant and influential members of the ESPN family, as a colleague and mentor, and he will be sorely missed. Our thoughts are with his loved ones at this extremely difficult time."
Colleagues of Saunders, who was hugely popular within the company, reacted with shock and dismay on television _ including a tribute on "Outside the Lines" _ and through social media, where his name quickly skyrocketed to the top of Twitter's national trending list.
"John Saunders represented everything that was good in a human being," ESPN college basketball analyst Dick Vitale said in a statement. "He was all about family and helping people. He was as good as it gets, and he had deep loyalty and love for others.
"His work with The V Foundation was so special. He loved Jimmy V and poured his heart and soul into the cause. He was always willing to share and give and he played a vital role in the success of helping so many.
"I can't believe this stunning and horrible news. He will be forever in our thoughts."
NFL reporter and analyst Chris Mortensen, who is on leave for treatment for throat cancer, wrote on Twitter, "The news of John Saunders' death could not be more crushing. We all loved him dearly. We grieve. We will miss him. Can't replace the man."
Stephen A. Smith posted, "Devastating doesn't even begin to describe how I'm feeling right now. John Saunders was a wonderful man, ultra pro & father figure. #RIP"
Added Jemele Hill, "John Saunders was a better person than a host, which is saying something. Classy. Professional. I can't even describe his impact on me."
A native of Canada, Saunders had a particular affinity for hockey, and played the sport as a defenseman at the collegiate level. His brother, Bernie, played for the Quebec Nordiques from 1979-81.
Saunders hosted ABC's Saturday studio coverage of college football and select editions of ESPN's College Football Live and ESPN's college basketball studio coverage.
In recent years, Saunders also co-hosted NFL highlight segments on Sunday night editions of "SportsCenter" during the football season. He also anchored studio coverage from the College Football Playoff National Championship and hosted the postgame trophy presentation.
Just last week, Saunders spoke at the National Association of Black Journalists convention in Washington, D.C. He is survived by his wife, Wanda, and daughters Aleah and Jenna.
