Rest In Power: Notable Black Folks Who We’ve Lost In 2024

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UPDATED: 5:30 PM ET., December 27, 2024

As we’ve come to understand year after year, day after day even, death is unfortunately an inevitable part of life. Still, as much of a fact as that may be, the blow of experiencing loss never gets any easier, nor does reporting on the subject in Black culture.

Greg Gumbel, an Award-winning sportscaster has died. His family released a statement confirming his passing, saying, “It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our beloved husband and father, Greg Gumbel. He passed away peacefully surrounded by much love after a courageous battle with cancer. Greg approached his illness like one would expect he would, with stoicism, grace, and positivity. He leaves behind a legacy of love, inspiration and dedication to over 50 extraordinary years in the sports broadcast industry; and his iconic voice will never be forgotten.
Greg’s memory will forever be treasured by his family, dearest friends, colleagues and all who loved him. — Marcy & Michelle Gumbel”

Gumbel began his career in 1973 and worked with several major networks, including CBS Sports, NBC Sports, ESPN, and the Madison Square Garden Network. Gumbel was the first African American announcer to call play-by-play for a major sports championship in the U.S., doing so for Super Bowl XXXV in 2001. He was a studio host for CBS’s men’s college basketball coverage and served as a play-by-play broadcaster for the NFL on CBS until 2023.

Greg Gumbel’s brother is Bryant Gumbel, who is also a well-known television journalist and sportscaster. Bryant is recognized for his work on shows like NBC’s “Today” and HBO’s “Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel.”

Greg Gumbel was 78 years old.

SOURCE: CBS

Learn more below about who in our culture has passed away so far this year in 2024 Below