Greg Gumbel cause of death: What happened to the legendary CBS sportscaster?

Earlier on Friday, Dec. 28, news outlets reported the passing of legendary sportscaster Greg Gumbel at the age of 78. The news came as a shock to many, as the long-tenured broadcaster had been one of the most prominent voices at CBS News, especially beloved for his coverage of NCAA basketball's March Madness tournament.

In a statement released by CBS News, Gumbel's wife, Marcy, and daughter, Michelle, confirmed the news of his death and shared the cause.

"It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our beloved husband and father, Greg Gumbel. He passed away peacefully surrounded by much love after a courageous battle with cancer," they wrote.

"Greg approached his illness like one would expect he would, with stoicism, grace, and positivity."

Details about Gumbel's cancer had been kept private until his death. It was noted that Gumbel had been unable to cover the 2023-2024 March Madness tournament, marking the first time he missed the college basketball postseason since 1997. His family had previously said that health issues were the reason for his absence, per The Hill.

While the specific type of cancer Gumbel battled remains undisclosed, the sports community has come together in mourning the loss of one of the most respected and beloved commentators.

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Greg Gumbel leaves behind a more than 50-year media career

2022 marked Greg Gumbel's 50th year of broadcasting, a remarkable milestone in a career that spanned multiple sports, including basketball, American football and baseball since 1972. From the NCAA to the NFL, Gumbel's versatility and ability to cover a wide range of sports earned him widespread admiration in the industry.

Gumbel joined CBS Sports in 1989 and remained with the network throughout his career. He quickly became one of the most prominent voices in sports, particularly known for his coverage of the NFL and MLB during the 90s.

Throughout the late 90s, all the way to the present day, Gumbel became the reporter that college basketball fans always anticipated when it came to March Madness and even regular season games throughout the years. It'll be a heavy void to fill for college basketball coverage, moving forward to cover the sport without him.