On January 4, the sports world said goodbye to one of the most charismatic sportscaster around. Stuart Scott of ESPN lost his battle to appendix cancer at the age of 49. The sports industry mourned for his passing and in a short time, his death took over headlines and social media discussions.
#RIPStuartScott trended worldwide while Rich Eisen, one of his long-time colleague, also trended in the United States following the latter's moving tribute. Celebrities and athletes also took to social media pay respect to Stuart Scott.
US President Barack Obama said he and his family will miss Stuart Scott.
"I will miss Stuart Scott. Twenty years ago, Stu helped usher in a new way to talk about our favorite teams and the day's best plays. For much of those twenty years, public service and campaigns have kept me from my family -- but wherever I went, I could flip on the TV and Stu and his colleagues on SportsCenter were there. Over the years, he entertained us, and in the end, he inspired us - with courage and love. Michelle and I offer our thoughts and prayers to his family, friends, and colleagues."
Cleveland Cavaliers star Lebron James turned to Instagram to express his sadness over the passing of the 49-year old sports journalist.
"Can't believe you're gone from us! I am deeply saddened because not only will not be replaced as a anchor or reporter but more than that as a genuine cool person. What u did for our culture, bringing that Swag to reporting can only be copied(which I hear it today on tv watching sports). I would say not because they stealing your swag, it's all out of RESPECT! It was always a breath of fresh fun air when u would show up and we'd chat up."
Kobe Bryant called Stuart Scott a legend:
#StuartScottSayings changed the game #BOOYAH #donthatetheplayerhatethegame R.I.P to a sportscasting Legend
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) January 4, 2015
ESPN Sportscenter Linda Cohn tweeted: "I can't believe he is gone. There was nobody like Stuart Scott, There will never be again. A big presence with even a bigger heart. RIP SS." Hisherspodcast's Michael Smith thanked Stuart Scott for the chance to work with him.
Grateful I got to work with, know Stu Scott. RIP. Growing up watching him would never have imagined he'd one day have me in a rear naked lol — Michael Smith (@michaelsmith) January 4, 2015
Stuart Scott was soooooo good at what he did. But he treated the rest of us like his peers, when clearly we weren't.
— J.A. Adande (@jadande) January 4, 2015
John Manziel
Truly saddened to wake up and hear about the passing of Stuart Scott. Honored to have known him. Rest in peace my friend you will be missed. — Johnny Manziel (@JManziel2) January 4, 2015
Tiger Woods
Stuart wasn't covering heroes & champions, it was the other way around. Thinking of my friend & his daughters.
— Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) January 4, 2015
Watch Stuart Scott's moving speech:
