Senior ESPN NFL reporter Vaughn McClure was found lifeless at his home.
The 48-year-old journalist was discovered dead at his home in Atlanta, Georgia. As of this writing, the cause of death hasn’t been revealed.
“We all loved Vaughn. He had a heart of gold,” ESPN’s senior deputy editor John Pluym expressed.
“He was so helpful to our reporters. In the last few hours, we’ve heard so many stories about how Vaughn had helped them with a story or how he put in a good word for them with a coach or player.”
McClure was a Chicago native who joined the DeKalb Daily Chronicle following his 1994 graduation from Northern Illinois University.
After his first job as a reporter, McClure secured a position at South Bend Tribune, Fresno Bee, and Chicago-Sun Times.
In 2013, after covering Chicago Bears for six seasons at Chicago Tribune, the reporter was hired by ESPN to cover Atlanta Falcons and the NFL.
Speaking of the 48-year-old’s death, Rich McKay, Atlanta Falcons’ president, dubbed the journalist an “earnest” and “thoughtful” reporter.
“We are saddened to learn of the passing of ESPN’s Vaughn McClure. He was an earnest, thoughtful reporter who had a passion for his craft and the relationships he held. He will be missed dearly and we are holding his family, friends and associates in our thoughts and prayers,” he wrote.
Paying a tribute to McClure was also a series of athletes including Hall of Famer Brian Urlacher.
“Today I was very saddened to hear about the passing of my dear friend Vaughn McClure. We became fast friends when he was covering the Bears. He had a big heart and was one of the nicest guys you will ever meet. You will be missed. RIP HOMIE,” the former linebacker wrote.
Replaced!