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By Suzanne Blake
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ESPN anchor Hannah Storm and sportscaster Dan Hicks built a life together over more than three decades, both balancing high-profile careers in sports broadcasting while raising three daughters.
Following Hicks’ sudden death at 64, Storm is now mourning the loss of her husband and longtime partner.
The longtime NBC Sports commentator died Wednesday in Connecticut following an acute illness, his family and NBC announced Thursday.
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Storm shared the news in an emotional statement, describing Hicks as a devoted husband, loving father and cherished friend.
“Our family is heartbroken by the sudden and unexpected passing of Dan following an acute illness,” Storm wrote. “He was a devoted husband of over 30 years, loving father to our three daughters, and cherished friend to so many. His loss is immeasurable.”
The couple had been married for more than 30 years after first meeting while working in sports broadcasting at CNN.
What Did Hannah Storm Say About Dan Hicks’ Death?
Storm announced Hicks’ death on Instagram Thursday.
“Dan was truly one of a kind and, quite simply, the person everyone wanted to be around. When he walked into a room, he brought the energy, the laughter and the people together,” she wrote. “He was endlessly kind, thoughtful and funny, and he made everyone feel like they mattered."
“Our three daughters and I are heartbroken,” she continued, thanking those who had offered support to the family during the difficult time.
NBC Sports also paid tribute to Hicks, with network executives describing him as an exceptional storyteller who helped elevate some of the biggest moments in sports history.
“From Olympic swimming and skiing to Notre Dame football, numerous other high profile events and especially as the signature voice of our golf coverage for the last 26 years, Dan’s blend of knowledge, style, enthusiasm and humor informed and entertained fans for decades,” NBC Sports’ Rick Cordella, Sam Flood and Molly Solomon said in a statement.
“But far beyond his on-air excellence, Dan was a better person who welcomed teammates with a smile, a joke, or a word of encouragement, sometimes all three in the same sentence.”
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What Was Dan Hicks’ Cause of Death?
Hicks died following an acute illness, according to Storm’s statement. He was 64.
The family has not publicly identified a specific diagnosis or provided further details about his illness, but his death was described as sudden and unexpected.
Hicks died in Connecticut late Wednesday, November 11.
How Long Were Hannah Storm and Dan Hicks Married?
Storm and Hicks were married for more than 30 years. The couple wed in January 1994 and had been together for over three decades at the time of Hicks’ death.
Their marriage spanned two careers in sports journalism, with both broadcasters spending years covering major sporting events for national television networks.
The couple largely kept their family life out of the spotlight but were both major figures in sports media.
How Did Hannah Storm and Dan Hicks Meet?
Storm and Hicks met while working at CNN in Atlanta, where both were building their careers as sports broadcasters.
Storm joined CNN in 1989 and became the first female host of CNN Sports Tonight. Hicks also worked as a sports anchor for the network from 1989 to 1992, hosting programs including CNN Sports Tonight and CNN College Football Preview.
Their shared interests brought them together before they eventually married in 1994.
Did Hannah Storm and Dan Hicks Have Children?
Storm and Hicks had three daughters together: Hannah, Ellery and Riley.
Storm's ESPN biography confirms that she and Hicks shared three daughters, and NBC Sports also named the couple's daughters in its tribute following Hicks' death.
In her statement, Storm specifically acknowledged their children, saying that she and her daughters were heartbroken by the loss.
Hannah Storm and Dan Hicks’ Careers in Sports Broadcasting
Both Storm and Hicks established themselves as influential figures in sports broadcasting, with their careers spanning multiple networks and major sporting events.
Storm joined ESPN in 2008 and became a prominent anchor of SportsCenter. She has also contributed to programs including NFL Live, NBA Today and WNBA Countdown, while covering major events such as Wimbledon, the U.S. Open and the Super Bowl.
Before joining ESPN, Storm worked at NBC Sports and CBS News. At NBC, she became the first woman in American television history to solo host a broadcast network's sports series, leading the network's Major League Baseball coverage, including three World Series. She also hosted coverage of the NBA and the Olympic Games.
Hicks joined NBC Sports in June 1992 after working as a sports anchor at CNN. He became the network's lead golf play-by-play commentator in 2000 and spent decades covering the PGA Tour, the U.S. Open, the Ryder Cup and other major golf events.
He was also a familiar voice during NBC's Olympic coverage, both for swimming and alpine skiing. Additionally, he was known by many as the network's play-by-play announcer for Notre Dame football.
Contact Newsweek editors on this story: Gray R. Thomas
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