Craig Melvin became visibly emotional on Thursday's episode of "Today" as he paid tribute to legendary NBC colleague Dan Hicks following his sudden death at age 64. His wife, Hannah Storm, announced his passing on Thursday, stating that he died following an "acute illness" and that his death was "sudden and unexpected."
Melvin, along with co-hosts Dylan Dreyer and Al Roker, honored Hicks at the end of the broadcast. Melvin became choked up as he remembered Hicks as a "devoted" father and husband. "In a statement this morning, Hannah called her husband endlessly kind, thoughtful, funny, said there are simply no words to express how much he will be missed," Melvin shared. "Our thoughts are with Hannah and those three adorable girls, and over the years, they’ve become part of our family."
Melvin added that he had recently shared dinner with Hicks and his wife. "So, he will be missed, he will be sorely missed," the news anchor concluded, visibly moved.
Hicks was known for his extensive work with NBC Sports, serving as the play-by-play announcer for Notre Dame football and covering 16 Olympic Games since 1992. He had also led NBC Sports' coverage of the PGA Tour since 2000.
Storm released a statement expressing her grief: "Our family is heartbroken by the sudden and unexpected passing of Dan following an acute illness. He was a devoted husband of over 30 years, loving father to our three daughters, and cherished friend to so many. Dan was truly one of a kind, and, quite simply, the person everyone wanted to be around. When he walked into a room, he brought the energy, the laughter, and the people together. He was endlessly kind, thoughtful and funny, and he made everyone feel like they mattered. Our three daughters and I are heartbroken. We are grateful for the love and support surrounding our family during this incredibly difficult time. There are simply no words to express how much he will be missed."
Hicks began his broadcasting career in 1984 at local news stations in Arizona. He met Storm while working for CNN in 1989 before joining NBC in 1992.