Rick Jeanneret Cause Of Death: Rick ‘RJ’ Jeanneret, a cherished play-by-play announcer for the Buffalo Sabres, has died at the age of 81. As a legendary voice in hockey broadcasting, he leaves behind an enduring legacy in the world of sports.
Rick Jeanneret Cause Of Death
Rick Jeanneret, an icon of NHL broadcasting, died on August 17, 2023, after a valiant battle with multiple organ failures, as disclosed by the Buffalo Sabres. He broadcast the team’s events with his unmistakable voice for more than five decades.
Jeanneret celebrated his 81st birthday on July 23, just weeks before his untimely demise. The Sabres released a statement confirming his departure after he fought valiantly for several years against multiple organ failures.
“After a two-year battle with multiple organ failures, we mourn the loss of Rick Jeanneret, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and brother, as well as a Hall of Fame broadcaster for the Buffalo Sabres,” the team stated in a sombre manner. Rick passed away on August 17, 2023, surrounded by his loved ones. His enduring legacy will endure forever.”
Jeanneret’s illustrious voyage began in 1971, during the Sabres’ second season in the NHL. He hung up the mic after the 2021-22 NHL season.
In 2011, he was enshrined in the Sabres Hall of Fame, cementing his place in history. Both the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame and the Buffalo Broadcasting Hall of Fame honoured him the following year.
In the aftermath of his departure, peers, devoted Sabres fans, and NHL contemporaries united to honour the legendary play-by-play maestro. Jeanneret is fondly remembered for his on-air contributions and celebrated for his kind nature; his legacy includes not only iconic commentary but also countless acts of kindness that will be celebrated eternally.
How Did Rick Jeanneret Fare?
Rick ‘RJ’ Jeanneret, the legendary voice of the Buffalo Sabres, has bid farewell to the world, leaving behind a remarkable legacy spanning 51 years as one of the industry’s most prominent personalities behind the microphone. The devastating announcement arrived early on Friday, August 18, 2023, following his death on Thursday evening, August 17. In the wake of this tragedy, let us delve into the specifics of his demise and reflect on his distinguished career.
The influence of Jeanneret is absolutely unparalleled. The NHL’s longest-serving play-by-play announcer, who is a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame, ended his remarkable run as a play-by-play announcer just a year ago. Rick Jeanneret passed away on August 17 after a two-year battle with multiple organ malfunctions. His exceptional talents had graced the broadcasting booth for years.
RJ was surrounded by his family in his final moments, who remember him affectionately as a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and brother. The NHL and the devoted Sabres fan base remember him for his electrifying and dynamic goal calls, which became a staple of league highlight segments.
His legacy is also characterised by an abundance of memorable catchphrases that his admirers frequently adopt. The most famous is the “May Day” chant, which immortalised Brad May’s overtime goal in the 1993 Stanley Cup Playoffs, which ended the team’s 10-year playoff winless streak. In addition, lines such as “Top shelf where Mama hides the cookies,” “We are not worthy,” “Call the police, he robbed him,” and “Play the highlight film” continue to resonate.
Jeanneret began his career as a radio broadcast analyst for the Buffalo Sabres during their second season in the National Hockey League, 1970-71. In 1995, he made the transition to television broadcasting, a position he maintained until the later years of his life, when health issues limited his travel obligations.
How did Rick Jeanneret pass away?
Rick Jeanneret, the longtime voice of the Buffalo Sabres, passed away at the age of 81 on Thursday, prompting the National Hockey League to say goodbye to a genuine legend. His family’s statement verified that he succumbed to multiple organ failures after a two-year battle.
Rick Jeanneret’s illustrious tenure as the energetic voice of Sabres hockey spanned an impressive 51 years. During the 1971-72 season, the team’s sophomore year in the NHL, he began this voyage. Jeanneret enlarged his role by becoming the play-by-play announcer for both television and radio broadcasts beginning with the 1997-1998 season, when he shifted to television broadcasts.
Jeanneret retains the record for the longest tenure by a single broadcaster with a single NHL team, with his exclusive commitment to the Buffalo Sabres. His extraordinary journey concluded at the conclusion of the 2021-22 season.
Jeanneret was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2012 after receiving the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award, which was awarded to him on merit. His name appeared on the rosters of the Sabres Hall of Fame, the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame, the Buffalo Broadcasting Hall of Fame, and the Bare Knuckle Boxing Hall of Fame, among others.
The loss of this iconic voice had a profound effect on the Sabres community, prompting supporters to express their feelings on social media platforms. As one admirer so eloquently put it, “He is the reason many of us, including myself, fell in love with hockey as children. His voice reverberates in our consciousness whenever we recall Sabre’s past.” Another admirer stated that it was difficult to put into words how much Jeanneret meant to the city of Buffalo.
However, Jeanneret’s influence extended beyond team allegiances and touched the broader “hockey world.” A Twitter user, who wasn’t even a Sabres devotee, emphasised the agony of this defeat, demonstrating the extent of his influence.
David Ostrosky Cause Of Death: How Did He Die?
What Was Rick Jeanneret’s Identity?
Rick Jeanneret, affectionately known as “RJ,” was a prominent Canadian radio personality who left an indelible impression on the world of broadcasting. He was the play-by-play announcer for the Buffalo Sabres of the National Hockey League (NHL) and their broadcast network, the Sabres Hockey Network, for an astounding 51 years. His death took place on August 17, 2023.
Jeanneret began his broadcasting career in 1964 at the WKBW radio station in Buffalo, and in 1971 he joined the Sabres’ esteemed broadcast team. Rapidly, he became a beloved and iconic voice in the world of hockey, renowned for his lively analysis and catchphrases such as “May Day!” and “Oh my goodness gracious!”
Jeanneret’s resonant voice became synonymous with pivotal moments in the annals of the Buffalo Sabres, including the team’s journey to the Stanley Cup Finals in 1975 and the team’s first two division titles in 1975 and 1976. Gilbert Perreault, the most illustrious player for the Buffalo Sabres, was portrayed with his signature tone.
Jeanneret chose to depart from broadcasting in 2022, putting an exclamation point on his remarkable 51-season career. In recognition of his significant contributions, he will be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2020.
Throughout his career, Jeanneret has received numerous accolades for his exceptional broadcasting artistry. In 2012, the Hockey Hall of Fame presented the esteemed Foster Hewitt Memorial Award, the most prestigious of these honours. Moreover, his influence extended beyond the frequencies; a street was named after him in front of the KeyBank Centre, the venerable home arena of the Buffalo Sabres.
