RALEIGH  -- Longtime ESPN sportscaster John Saunders, who hosted “The Sports Reporters” for 15 years,  died unexpectedly at the age of 61. The V Foundation for Cancer Research, of which Saunders was a founding member and served on its board of directors, released a statement Wednesday saying that Saunders was "always there, with and for us". Susan Braun, CEO of The V Foundation, said he would always be there to help.

“John was a founding board member of The V and a close personal friend of Jim Valvano.  He has been a torch bearer for Jim’s wish and The V Foundation’s mission – to fund research that will put an end to cancer.”  The statement read further.   “John was always there with and for us.  He was a smart, kind, compassionate man who touched each of our lives.  We send condolences to his family and we join them in grieving this difficult loss. “

Saunders was a close friend of the late N.C. State basketball coach Jim Valvano, for whom the foundation was founded after his death from cancer in 1993.

Braun said that she had never heard anybody say a bad word about John Saunders. Everyone loved him.