Canucks writer and broadcaster Jason Botchford dead at 48
Popular Vancouver media figure passed away on the weekend of apparent heart failure
Popular Vancouver hockey writer and broadcaster Jason Botchford has passed away.
TSN 1040's Mike Halford and Jason Brough made the announcement on their show this morning, saying Botchford died of apparent heart failure on the weekend.
"He was a good friend and good colleague. This is a profound loss that has hit people hard," said Halford.
Botchford, 48, is survived by his wife and three children.
The TSN1040 family is deeply saddened to announce the passing of our friend and colleague Jason Botchford. Our thoughts are with Jason’s family at this time.<br><br>Here is a statement from the family. <a href="https://t.co/re7kGexQ9I">pic.twitter.com/re7kGexQ9I</a>
—@TSN1040Podcast partner Jeff Paterson said he was at a loss for words.
"Botch was a good friend and terrific travelling companion. It's just completely shocking," said Paterson.
Botchford started covering the NHL in 2005 at The Province newspaper and website, while appearing frequently on TSN radio and television.
While at The Province, Botchford's entertaining and edgy Provies column became a must-read for Canucks fans — mixing game analysis with funny editorial, Twitter comments and inside jokes.
I am shattered. Just sitting here in a daze. I have lost the best podcasting partner a guy could ask for. Botch was also a friend, colleague, travelling companion & a driving force in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Canucks?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Canucks</a> coverage. So many great memories. My sincerest sympathy to his family. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ripbotch?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ripbotch</a> 💔
—@patersonjeffBotchford left The Province in September 2018 after a contract issue, moving to online sports website The Athletic, where he became a senior writer. His column was renamed the The Athletties.
He was popular on Twitter as well, with more than 59,000 followers.
In a statement released on Twitter, the Vancouver Canucks said everyone at the organization was "deeply saddened" by the news.
"Jason was an incredibly passionate and dedicated reporter who connected with Canucks fans everywhere. His loss is heart-breaking for us all. The Botchford family is in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time," the statement said.
Botchford grew up in Aurora, Ont., and started his journalism career at the Toronto Sun.