Photo: Michael Zagaris/Oakland Athletics/Getty
Longtime ESPN reporter Pedro Gomez, who worked for the network for nearly two decades, unexpectedly died this weekend at age 58.
The company announced the tragic loss in astatementon Sunday, revealing it was “unexpected” and no cause of death was available.
“We are shocked and saddened to learn that our friend and colleague Pedro Gomez has passed away,” Jimmy Pitaro, chairman of ESPN and sports content,saidin a statement.
“Pedro was an elite journalist at the highest level and his professional accomplishments are universally recognized,” Pitaro continued. “More importantly, Pedro was a kind, dear friend to us all. Our hearts are with Pedro’s family and all who love him at this extraordinarily difficult time.”
Matthew J. Lee/The Boston Globe via Getty
“Pedro was far more than a media personality,” his family said in a statement to the network. “He was a dad, loving husband, loyal friend, coach and mentor. He was our everything and his kids' biggest believer.”
Many sports personalities reacted to Gomez’s death on social media, and shared tributes to the man they called “a friend to all he met.”
“Pedro Gomez was an unbelievable person,” added ESPN reporterJorge Sedano. “I’m forever grateful for his friendship. He was a trailblazing journalist. He opened the door for Latinos in sports tv. I can’t even explain how sad I am right now. Rest In Peace, Mi Hermano.”
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NBC Sports reporter Monte Poole called Gomez one of the “dudes,” while San Francisco Giants pitcher Alex Wood — who recently won the World Series as a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers — remembered the former reporter for being “kind” and “genuine.”
“Pedro Gomez was one of the kindest and most genuine people you’d ever come across in our game,” Woodwrote. “We were all better off for knowing him personally and professionally. My deepest condolences to his family. What a terrible loss for our baseball community.”
Gomez’s death comes nearly two weeks after famed basketball reporterSekou Smithdied at age 48.
source: people.com
