ESPN writer and Texas Christian University alum Richard Durrett passed away on Tuesday at the age of 38.
The talented journalist was best known for covering the Rangers, yet frequently wrote about a variety of sports on his blog, including golf, hockey, auto racing and college sports, MLB reports.
In 1998, Durrett graduated from Texas Christian University, a private university located in Fort Worth, Texas, that is affiliated with the Disciples of Christ. He later went on to serve as a professor for TCU's College of Communication, where he taught journalism.
In September 2009, Durrett joined ESPNDallas.com and wrote about colleges, the Dallas Stars and the Texas Rangers, according to ESPN.com. He also spent nine years at The Dallas Morning News.
Friends of Durrett remember his "passion for Christ and sports," as the journalist often participated in church activities along with his wife Alice, and two young children, Owen and Alice.
"...Richard was one of the friendliest people on the planet. He was always more than willing to hold a conversation, about sports or anything else," recalls sports writer Jamie Plunkett.
"I'll miss him greatly. In the past year, he had become one of the examples I've looked up to for several reasons. He was a great dad, and I am absolutely crushed for his kids. He was a dedicated husband. And his passions for Christ and sports mirror my own," Plunkett continues.
Patrick Stiegman, vice president and editorial director, ESPN digital and print media, released a statement expressing his sorrow at Durrett's passing.
"We are deeply saddened by the loss of Richard Durrett, who covered the Texas Rangers and other sports for ESPN Dallas for the past five years," Stiegman said. "He was a dedicated colleague and friend, who was extremely respected and well-liked. He was known for creativity and an exceptional work ethic throughout his ESPN tenure, and nearly a decade at the Dallas Morning News before that.
The Rangers also released a statement late Tuesday night, MLB reports.
"The Texas Rangers are shocked and saddened to learn of the sudden passing of Richard Durrett. Mr. Durrett covered the Texas Rangers with professionalism and integrity for the last decade, first for the Dallas Morning News and more recently for ESPNDallas.com. He earned the respect of team management and field personnel for his fair and thorough coverage on the Rangers beat. Mr. Durrett was a versatile journalist in every sense of the word with both his written and electronic coverage. He was always willing to contribute to Rangers publications and even did occasional radio play-by-play on Rangers broadcasts in Spring Training and the regular season. The thoughts and prayers of our entire organization go out to Mr. Durrett's family."
