Dan Hicks, a prominent figure in sports broadcasting for over three decades, has died at the age of 64. His wife, ESPN anchor Hannah Storm, announced the news on Thursday, stating that Hicks passed away following an acute illness. The sudden loss has sent shockwaves through the sports media community, with colleagues and family expressing their grief over his departure.
In a post on social media, Storm described her family as heartbroken by the unexpected passing. She highlighted Hicks’ roles as a devoted husband of more than 30 years, a loving father to their three daughters, and a cherished friend to many. Storm noted that his loss is immeasurable for those who knew him.
Hicks was best known for his work with NBC Sports, where he served as the lead play-by-play announcer for PGA Tour coverage beginning in 2000. He anchored the network’s broadcasts for major golf events, including the U.S. Open, The Open Championship, Ryder Cup, Presidents Cup, and the U.S. Women's Open. His career also included significant coverage of the Olympic Games.
He covered 16 Olympic Games in total, with 15 of those appearances as a play-by-play announcer. His Olympic career began with the 1992 Barcelona Games. Most recently, he served as the Alpine skiing play-by-play announcer for NBC Sports during the Milan Cortina Games earlier this year. In addition to golf and Olympics, Hicks expanded his portfolio to include college football.
Since 2024, Hicks has been the lead play-by-play announcer for NBC Sports’ coverage of Notre Dame football. This marked his seventh season calling games for the Fighting Irish, as he previously held the role from 2013 to 2016. His ability to cover a wide range of high-profile events solidified his reputation as a versatile and reliable broadcaster.
Hicks joined NBC Sports in 1992, building a long-standing career with the network. His work was recognized with a Sports Emmy for his contributions during the 2024 Paris Games. Before his tenure at NBC, he had worked as a sports anchor for CNN, a position he held starting in 1989.
NBC Sports leadership paid tribute to Hicks in a joint statement. President Rick Cordella, along with executive producers Sam Flood and Molly Solomon, described him as an extraordinary colleague, friend, and person. They noted that during his 34 years at the network, he was an exceptional storyteller who elevated some of the biggest moments in sports history.
The statement emphasized that Hicks’ blend of knowledge, style, enthusiasm, and humor informed and entertained fans for decades. Beyond his professional excellence, the network highlighted his personal character, noting that he welcomed teammates with a smile, a joke, or a word of encouragement, often combining all three in the same sentence.
ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro also issued a statement expressing deep sadness over the sudden passing. He described Hicks as a respected voice in sports broadcasting and a husband to a cherished member of the ESPN family. Pitaro extended condolences to Storm, their three daughters, and all who knew and loved Hicks, including his colleagues at NBC.
A native of Tucson, Arizona, Hicks is survived by his wife, Hannah Storm, and their three daughters, Hannah, Ellery, and Riley. The sports world continues to mourn the loss of a broadcaster who dedicated his life to calling some of the most significant events in athletic history.
