Long-time ESPN broadcaster Chris Berman’s wife Kathy was killed in a car accident Tuesday night, and much of the sports world offered condolences Wednesday. Here’s how ESPN’s Trey Wingo handled the news on air Wednesday:
It is with heavy hearts that we report the news that Kathy Berman, the wife of our own Chris Berman, was killed in a car accident Tuesday. pic.twitter.com/hQMD6LWqm2
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) May 10, 2017
ESPN president John Skipper was among the list of those offering their thoughts and support:
“This is a devastating tragedy and difficult to comprehend,” John Skipper, president of ESPN, said in a statement. “Chris is beloved by all his ESPN colleagues and for good reason: He has a huge heart and has given so much to so many over the years. We know how much his family means to him and all we can do at a moment like this is give him the love and support he will surely need at this hour. Our thoughts and prayers are with Chris, Meredith, Doug and the entire family.”
The Buffalo Bills sent their support as well:
The Buffalo Bills are circling the wagons more than ever for Chris Berman and his family today.https://t.co/aa7nkbiVNi pic.twitter.com/jbuzVmwmWd
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) May 10, 2017
So did the Baltimore Ravens:
Our thoughts are with Chris Berman and his family after the passing of his wife Kathy.
Statement from Coach Harbaugh: pic.twitter.com/UVW0ant1IA
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) May 10, 2017
As did many other athletes, executives and media members:
Sending my love to the Berman family this morning…we're here for u Chris.
— David Ortiz (@davidortiz) May 10, 2017
So saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Kathy Berman. God's blessings to you and your family Boom.
— John Lynch (@JohnLynch49ers) May 10, 2017
Praying for comfort, peace, and strength for Chris Berman and family. So incredibly heartbreaking. Love ya Boomer.
— Ernie Johnson (@TurnerSportsEJ) May 10, 2017
So sad to hear of the death of Chris Berman's wife Kathy in an auto accident in Connecticut. Terrible news. Sympathy to the Berman family.
— Peter King (@peter_king) May 10, 2017
There are times when words are obviously insufficient. Thoughts are with Chris Berman and his family today. Unimaginably sad.
— Mike Greenberg (@Espngreeny) May 10, 2017
Prayers to Chris and the kids. Such awful news. https://t.co/nn1vYdf0oK
— MikeTirico (@miketirico) May 10, 2017
https://twitter.com/BertBlyleven28/status/862306780889718786
Kathy Berman was 67. She married Chris in 1983, and they have two children, Meredith and Doug. Our thoughts are with the Berman family during this tough time. The Berman family has released this statement:
We are overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and sympathy from so many folks we know, and so many others we look forward to knowing. Kathy Berman had a huge heart, and this would have warmed hers beyond belief. It certainly warmed ours. All of us need to keep the family of Edward Bertulis in our thoughts and prayers as well.– With the deepest of gratitude, Meredith, Doug and Chris Berman
About Andrew Bucholtz
Andrew Bucholtz has been covering sports media for Awful Announcing since 2012. He is also a staff writer for The Comeback. His previous work includes time at Yahoo! Sports Canada and Black Press.