Darren Dutchyshen, a stalwart of Canadian sports broadcasting and a long-time anchor for The Sports Network (TSN), has passed away at the age of 57. His death was announced by TSN on Thursday, with the cause of death not disclosed. However, it was noted that Dutchyshen was surrounded by his closest loved ones during his final moments.
Known for his larger-than-life personality and sharp wit, Dutchyshen was a beloved figure in the world of sports broadcasting. His family stated, "His sharp wit remained until his final moments, classically delivering plenty of jokes — most of them pretty good and all of them inappropriate."
Dutchyshen had revealed his battle with prostate cancer on Twitter in September 2021, which led to a year-long hiatus from TSN while he underwent treatment. He had been a mainstay on the network since 1995, becoming a fixture on TSN's flagship programs, SportsDesk and SportsCentre.
Born in Regina, Saskatchewan, and raised in Porcupine Plain, Dutchyshen's broadcasting career spanned three decades. He started his career with STV in Saskatoon, followed by a stint with IMTV in Dauphin, Manitoba. Before joining TSN, he spent seven years as the host of ITV's Sports Night in Edmonton.
At TSN, Dutchyshen was part of the network's Canadian Football League (CFL) broadcasts and hosted Olympic Prime Time on TSN during the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games and London 2012 Summer Games.
Stewart Johnston, senior vice-president for sales and sports at Bell Media, TSN's parent company, praised Dutchyshen's contributions to the network. "A larger-than-life personality, Darren's incredible sense of humour and magnetic energy made him a natural broadcaster who connected easily with viewers," Johnston said. "His enthusiasm reminded us every day of why we love sports."
As news of Dutchyshen's death spread, fans and colleagues expressed their condolences on social media. Many remembered him as a friendly and easygoing personality who loved his job and his home province.
Dutchyshen's passing is a significant loss to the world of sports broadcasting. His charisma, humor, and passion for sports will be deeply missed by his colleagues, viewers, and the sports community at large.
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