Popular hockey writer, broadcaster and TV commentator Jason Botchford died over the weekend of apparent heart failure. He was 48 years old.
The announcement was made Wednesday, May 1, by TSN 1040’s Mike Halford and Jason Brough.
“Our co-worker, our cohort and our great friend Jason Botchford has passed away,” said Halford.
Jason Botchford with his family. The Vancouver-based hockey writer died suddenly at age 48. Photo via GoFundMe.
By Thursday, a GoFundMe campaign was set up to raise money for Botchford’s wife, Kathryn, and the couple's three young children to help out with the Coquitlam family’s various expenses, including an education fund.
In less than 24 hours, the fund has raised more than $67,000 for the Burke Mountain residents.
Botchford was a popular voice in Vancouver sports, first covering the Vancouver Canucks and the National Hockey League for The Province.
Last fall, Botchford moved over to The Athletic where he took over as the publication’s senior hockey writer, producing sharp commentary and play-by-play, immersive stories.
Botchford was also a regular on TSN radio and the newtwork's TV segment ‘That’s Hockey.’
In a statement posted to The Athletic, Botchford’s family said they took solace in the outpouring of support from fans both on Twitter, where Botchford had a strong following, and on the radio.
"We are deeply touched by the overwhelming support from friends, family and fans.”
