ESPN anchor Stuart Scott passed away on Sunday at the age of 49 after a long battle with cancer, The Wall Street Journal reported.
The anchor was first diagnosed with cancer in 2007, but despite his condition Scott tried to remain visible in public, such as his acceptance of the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance in July.
"When you die, it does not mean that you lose to cancer. You beat cancer by how you live, why you live, and in the manner in which you live," Scott said in his acceptance speech.
The Jimmy V Award was named after former ESPN broadcaster and former basketball coach Jim Valvano, who passed away from cancer in 1993.
Scott joined ESPN in 1993 and throughout the years became known for his catchphrases, such as "Boo-Yah!," his energy on air, work ethic, talent and love for his daughters, 19-year-old Taelor and 15-year-old Sydni, according to ESPN.
He had a style that "changed everything," according to ESPN president John Skipper, while Sports Center anchor Jay Harris called him "the man who made sportscasting cool."
ESPN anchor Suzy Kolber shared "No matter how big he got, no matter how bad it got, he never changed. He loved his work. He loved his daughters. He loved being Stu."
Scott's passing was also mourned by many fans, athletes, celebrities, prominent people and more around the world, according to TIME.
Basketball player LeBron James posted a photo of himself and Scott on his Instagram account captioned with, "Can't believe you're gone from us! I am deeply saddened because not only will not be replaced as a anchor or reporter but more than that as a genuine cool person."
Golfer Tiger Woods also showed his sadness over the anchor's passing through a tweet, saying, "Stuart wasn't covering heroes & champions, it was the other way around. Thinking of my friend & his daughters."
Rapper Nicki Minaj also posted a screenshot of the news on her Instagram and captioned it with #RIPStuartScott.
Actress Elizabeth Banks tweeted, "RIP Stuart Scott. Met him at a Celtics playoff game years ago, and he was so alive, so happy. Thoughts w/ his daughters."
The president of the United States, Barack Obama, released a statement about Scott's passing, according to USA Today.
"I will miss Stuart Scott. Twenty years ago, Stu helped usher in a new way to talk about our favorite teams and the day's best plays," the statement read. "Over the years, he entertained us, and in the end, he inspired us with courage and love. Michelle and I offer our thoughts and prayers to his family, friends and colleagues."
