BREAKING: Beloved ESPN Reporter Chris Mortensen Tragically Passes Away At Age 72

March 3, 2024, 4:46pm ESTBy Alex Hoegler

Longtime ESPN reporter Chris Mortensen, who debuted for the Worldwide Leader in Sports in 1991, has passed away at the age of 72.

The ESPN PR X/Twitter account broke the sad news this afternoon, announcing that he had passed away on Sunday morning. ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro shared a statement on behalf of the network.

“He will truly be missed by colleagues and fans, and our hearts and thoughts are with his loved ones,” Pitaro said.

ESPN is very sorry to have to share this devastating news.

Award-winning journalist Chris Mortensen passed away this morning at the age of 72. pic.twitter.com/m0Sh742PuO
— ESPN PR (@ESPNPR) March 3, 2024

Longtime ESPN award-winning journalist Chris Mortensen has unfortunately passed away this morning at the age of 72.

ESPN released a statement:

“Mort was widely respected as an industry pioneer and universally beloved as a supportive, hardworking teammate. He covered the NFL… pic.twitter.com/61Opse2rHr
— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) March 3, 2024

In Jan. 2016, “Mort” took a leave from ESPN after being diagnosed with Stage 4 throat cancer. He made a recovery and returned to the network soon after Mortensen announced that he was stepping away from broadcasting back in September.