ESPN Commentator John Saunders Dead at 61

Sports broadcaster John Saunders, who was a regular presence on ESPN for 30 years, has died, the network reports. He was 61.

The details around his death are unclear at this time, but officials told TMZ it was unexpected and no foul play is expected.

During his career at ESPN, which started in 1986, Saunders anchored the network's flagship program SportsCenter and reported on all major sports, with a particular focus on the NHL (he was a defenseman for Western Michigan University's hockey team in college) and NBA, as well as college basketball.

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"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," ESPN President John Skipper said in a statement. "Our thoughts are with his loved ones at this extremely difficult time."

Saunders is survived by his wife Wanda and daughters Aleah and Jenna.