Longtime Fox Sports NASCAR broadcaster STEVE BYRNES, "whose courageous battle against cancer drew support from every corner of stock car racing," died yesterday at age 56, according to Jeff Gluck of USA TODAY. Byrnes passed away just two days after Bristol Motor Speedway's spring Sprint Cup Series race, which was named the Food City 500 in Support of Steve Byrnes And Stand Up To Cancer. Reaction "poured in from around the NASCAR world, as many drivers knew Byrnes from his 30 years of broadcasting," including as a reporter for Fox since it began covering the sport in '01. Byrnes "kept up a relentlessly positive attitude throughout his cancer fight," which he often shared insights into "via social media, and a legion of #ByrnesStrong supporters tweeted their encouragement to him" (USATODAY.com, 4/21). ESPN.com's Bob Pockrass noted Byrnes, a pit-road reporter for Sprint Cup Series races and co-host of a weekday NASCAR program, joined Fox in '01 "following more than 15 years of working NASCAR races and shows for CBS, TNN, TBS and The History Channel." After an initial diagnosis of head-and-neck cancer in August '13, Byrnes "responded well to treatment and returned to his job" for the '14 season. He "took a leave of absence in October to battle cancer once again, chronicling his fight on social media." While honoring '14 Sprint Cup champion KEVIN HARVICK yesterday during a ceremony at the White House, PRESIDENT OBAMA "mentioned the passing of Byrnes." Obama said, "I also want to offer my condolences to everybody in the NASCAR community on the passing of a legendary reporter and broadcaster, Steve Byrnes. I know a lot of fans' thoughts and prayers today are with his wife, KAREN, and his son, BRYSON" (ESPN.com, 4/21). In Charlotte, Jim Utter reports visitation is 6:00 to 8:30pm ET Monday
at Church of Christ in Fort Mill, S.C. A memorial service will be held
at 1:00pm Tuesday, "with visitation immediately following, also at the
church." Palmetto Funeral Home in Fort Mill "is in charge" (CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 4/22).
MEMORIES AND CONDOLENCES: Fox Sports’ DARRELL WALTRIP said, “This is a man who was loved by everybody. I think that’s a great tribute to his life and his legacy” (“America’s Pregame,” FS1, 4/21). Fox Sports’ LARRY MCREYNOLDS: “A lot of media members walk through that garage area, but I'm not sure anybody above Steve Byrnes was respected more by the peers in that garage area than he was” (“Fox Sports Live,” FS1, 4/21). Reaction to Byrnes' death spread quickly on Twitter, with Hendrick Motorsports tweeting, "We’re heartbroken about the passing of our friend Steve Byrnes. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and everyone he touched." Driver DALE EARNHARDT JR. wrote, "My hope is Steve was able to see how much he was loved & appreciated by so many. Rest easy friend. Prayers to his family. #ByrnesStrong." Driver KYLE BUSCH
wrote, "My thoughts n prayers are with the Byrnes Family. Steve was a
great man, and a blessing to all that knew him. He will be greatly
missed." NBCSN's KYLE PETTY
wrote, "Thoughts and prayers today with @SteveByrnes12 family. He
taught all of us what it means to be #ByrnesStrong God Speed..." NASCAR
Senior VP & Chief Communications Officer BRETT JEWKES wrote, "#ByrnesStrong Very grateful to have known @SteveByrnes12. God bless his family." Int'l Speedway Corp. Exec VP & CMO DARYL WOLFE
wrote, "Saddened to hear of the loss of Steve Byrnes. A true
professional, and great ambassador for the Sport. He will be missed!" Joe Gibbs Racing:
"We are saddened by the passing of Steve Byrnes. Our prayers are with
his family. We’re thankful to have known and worked with this great
man."
PAYING THEIR RESPECTS: FS1's JULIE STEWART-BINKS tweeted, "My deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Steve Byrnes. The world has lost an incredible person and sports broadcaster. #RIP." ESPN.com's TERRY BLOUNT: "NASCAR has lost a great broadcaster and an even better man. I just don't have the words to express my sadness over @SteveByrnes12 passing." USA Today's JEFF GLUCK: "What a blow to lose Steve Byrnes. I can't imagine facing that battle with more courage, dignity and a positive spirit than he did." Yahoo Sports' JAY BUSBEE: "Deeply sorry to hear of the passing of Steve Byrnes. Such a tremendous loss. Glad he was able to see the tribute he deserved at Bristol." MRN Radio's PETE PISTONE wrote, "Just torn to pieces hearing the news about Steve Byrnes - love and prayers from my entire family." ESPN's RYAN MCGEE:
"I love my friend & my brother @SteveByrnes12. I am forever
thankful he was in my life. Just as I am thankful he felt the love of
Sunday."
