Darren Dutchien, Canadian sportscaster and longtime TSN personality, died Wednesday, the sports network announced Thursday. He was 57 years old.

TSN did not provide the cause of death. Dutchishen’s family told TSN in a statement that Dutchishen “passed away surrounded by his closest loved ones.”

“His quick wit remained until the last moments and he told many classic jokes – most of them very good and all of them inappropriate,” the family said.

The Netherlands, a public sports figure in Canada, began his career at TSN in 1995 as host of the weekend editions of “SportsDesk” and “CFL Live.” He became a co-host of the network’s “SportsCentre” news program and also hosted TSN’s prime-time Olympic programs for the 2010 Vancouver Winter Games and the 2012 London Summer Games .

TSN is saddened by the loss of our friend and beloved SportsCentre anchor, Darren Dutchie. pic.twitter.com/Mb7m1IzCCY

– TSN (@TSN_Sports) May 16, 2024

Dutchie was born in Regina and raised in Porcupine, Saskatchewan. Before joining TSN, Dutchysen worked at STV and IMTV and hosted ITV’s Sports Night in Edmonton for seven years.

“Darren Dutchyschen is a Canadian sports broadcasting legend, a great companion and a vital part of TSN over the past three decades,” said Stuart Johnston, Senior Vice President of Sales and Sports at Bell Media. “Darren’s larger-than-life personality, incredible sense of humor and magnetic energy made him a natural broadcaster who easily connected with audiences.

“His fame reminded us every day why we love sport. Most importantly, Darren was a friend to all of us at TSN and he will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and sympathies go out to his loved ones.

What does Dutch mean to Canadian sports fans?

This is sad news for Canadian sports fans. Our generation grew up with the Dutch as a constant presence in our world, guiding us through the highlights of the day on “SportsDesk” and later on “SportsCentre.”

His combination of gentle humor and genuine enthusiasm let you know he was one of us – a true sports fan who knew the games and knew all the odds, but with a barely-there smile that showed how how exciting it was. they bring us everything. Canadian sports media would not be the same without him. – Sean McIndoe, Senior NHL Writer

(Photo: Isaias Trickey/FilmMagic)