Sports

ESPN Host John Saunders Dead At 61

John Saunders, longtime host of ESPN's "The Sports Reporters," died Wednesday. The cause of death wasn't immediately known.

ESPN Host John Saunders Dead At 61
Getty Images / Bryan Bedder

ESPN announced Wednesday that longtime host John Saunders has died. He was 61 years old.

The Canadian-born Saunders joined ESPN in 1986. He was best known as the host of "The Sports Reporters."

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Before starting his broadcasting career, Saunders played hockey in the Montreal junior leagues.

ESPN President John Skipper said in a statement: "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."

Saunders' cause of death isn't publicly known. He's survived by his wife and two daughters.

This video includes clips from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and images from Getty Images.