Sports
Longtime New Orleans sports personality Ed Daniels passes away at 67
NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) – Ed Daniels, a fixture in New Orleans sports journalism and the longtime sports director at WGNO, died Friday, Aug. 16, three weeks after suffering a heart attack while covering the Saints’ training camp in California. He was 67.
According to WGNO, Daniels suffered a massive heart attack shortly after midnight on July 26.
His wife Robin, who accompanied him on the trip, said that Daniels was hospitalized in California for 11 days before being flown back to New Orleans on August 5, thanks to a flight provided by Saints owner Gayle Benson. He did not regain consciousness and his condition did not improve, WGNO said.
Upon his return, Daniels was taken to Ochsner Medical Center where he remained until his passing.
A New Orleans native and pioneer in Louisiana sports coverage, Daniels had a five-decade career in journalism.
He launched the city’s first-ever high school sports television show, “Friday Night Football,” in 1992.
Daniels started his career at WDSU-TV and spent the last 33 years at WGNO-TV, where he was the station’s first and only sports director.
WGNO released a statement recognizing Daniels’ impact on the station.
“Ed’s importance to WGNO cannot be overstated. He was the most important and impactful person to ever work in our newsroom. We miss him and will continue to work to uphold the standards of professionalism he displayed during his decades here. Our condolences and prayers go out to Ed’s family, friends and viewers.”
Daniels was a graduate of Archbishop Rummel High School.
His work earned him numerous accolades, including the Lifetime Achievement Award from the New Orleans Press Club and being named Louisiana Sportscaster of the Year twice by the National Sportscaster and Sportswriters Association.
The New Orleans Saints and Pelicans also issued a statement mourning Daniels’ passing.
“Ed was one of the longest-tenured members of the media in our market, covering the Saints for over 40 years and covering the Pelicans since they began play in New Orleans in 2002. A New Orleans native, Ed also had a great love for his hometown, both as a sportscaster and as a man, recognizing the importance of high school sports locally and the value of them to our youth. We send our thoughts and condolences to Ed’s family, friends, and colleagues.”
See a spelling or grammar error in our story? Click Here to report it. Please include the headline.
Subscribe to the Fox 8 YouTube channel.
Copyright 2024 WVUE. All rights reserved.
Years later, California’s pandemic-era debt comes back to cost local businesses
SNF open thread: Buccaneers-Cowboys gambling lines and picks for tonight’s game
Fantasy Football Waiver Wire: Early pickups for Week 17
Michael Penix Jr.’s promising debut was less about the numbers and more about what it opens up for the Falcons
World Trade Center Health Program funding suffers setback. Fire unions sound off on Congress’ failure to act.
Holiday shopping in San Ysidro draws people from both sides of the border
Be prepared for record-breaking holiday travel, AAA says
Boston shoppers brave bitter cold to get last-minute gifts on Newbury Street
