#Pedro Gomez, beloved ESPN reporter, dead at 58

Longtime ESPN reporter Pedro Gomez died unexpectedly Sunday at the age of 58, the network announced.

“Pedro was far more than a media personality. He was a Dad, loving husband, loyal friend, coach and mentor,” Gomez’s family said in a statement. “He was our everything and his kids’ biggest believer. He died unexpectedly at home this afternoon.”

Gomez started at ESPN in 2003 and was a popular and beloved member of the network’s baseball coverage. He had covered more than 25 World Series and 22 All-Star Games, according to his company bio, while also playing a major role in ESPN’s coverage of Barry Bonds’ historic home run chase.

“We are shocked and saddened to learn that our friend and colleague Pedro Gomez has passed away,” ESPN president James Pitaro said in a statement. “Pedro was an elite journalist at the highest level and his professional accomplishments are universally recognized. More importantly, Pedro was a kind, dear friend to us all. Our hearts are with Pedro’s family and all who love him at this extraordinarily difficult time.”

Gomez’s cause of death was not immediately revealed. He is survived by his wife Sandra, sons Rio and Dante, and daughter Sierra. Rio is a pitcher in the Red Sox’s organization.

Tributes to Gomez came flooding in Sunday night on social media.