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How did Fred Hickman die? Legendary sports anchor dead at 66

'This is really sad news and Fred will be missed by all who knew him and worked with him,' Yankees announcer Michael Kay shared

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Veteran broadcaster Fred Hickman, one of the first anchors at YES Network, has died. He reportedly breathed his last on Wednesday, November 9, at the age of 66. The cause of his death has not been released yet.

A statement was released by Yankees announcer Michael Kay that said, “Fred was a joy to work with and a joyful person. A total pro that you felt comfortable with knowing he would lead you the right way on the air. He was the first voice ever heard on YES and his professionalism put us on the right track, a track we are on all these years later. This is really sad news and Fred will be missed by all who knew him and worked with him. Condolences to his family. RIP Fred.”

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The recipient of two CableACE awards and a New York Sports Emmy also reportedly presented CNN’s highlights show ‘Sports Tonight’ before anchoring ‘SportsCenter’. Hickman’s experience also included his work with WVLA-TV in Baton Rouge, Fox Sports South, WVUE in New Orleans, and WDVM-TV in Maryland.

Besides, Hickman also reportedly started Fred Hickman Communications, Inc to give retired athletes broadcasting training and media training to front office personnel, coaches and athletes. Following his death, ESPN anchor Hannah Storm fondly remembered him as she shared, “I was the only female anchor at CNN Sports, and Fred was such a welcoming presence…always with a laugh, a quip, a story…and supremely talented. Rest In Peace, my friend.”

YES Network President of Production & Programming John J Filipelli stated, “His legacy, besides being one of extraordinary accomplishment, was — as a person — his dignity, grace and kindness to all who were fortunate to come in contact with him. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family during this most difficult time.”

Journalist Rachel Nichols tweeted, “Shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Fred Hickman, one of the most fun, smart and generous colleagues I’ve known. He will be missed. #RIP @FHickmanNews.” Colin Dunlap wrote, “RIP Fred Hickman. If you are about my age, he was one of the faces on your sports-crazy youth on CNN. He was a true OG in the field. Him, Nick Charles, Vince Cellini, Van Earl Wright, Jerome Jurenovich, etc. They were our internet before the internet.”

Sports Broadcaster NFL on FOX, Laura Okmin, mentioned: “My desk was next to Fred’s at CNN/SI - I was nervous and intimidated - until the minute I met him & he welcomed me into the family. I will never forget his kindness, class & professionalism and the way he treated this young broadcaster. One of the true gentlemen of this industry.”

Super 70s Sports noted on Twitter, “Super Sky Point to Fred Hickman, one of the finest sports anchors to ever do the job. He and Nick Charles were as good as anyone over at CNN in an era when ESPN was just flush with great talent. Hope Nick met you at the gate. #RIP.” TV personality Mike Hill added, “RIP to the great Fred Hickman. Long before I was inspired by any sports anchor on Sportscenter, Fred was the anchor I looked up to. He was solid, great & looked like ME. A rarity back then. Later had a chance to be a colleague & was an even BETTER human. We’ll miss you bro!”