SportsCenter anchor Randy Scott delivered an emotional announcement on Monday morning, just two days before Christmas, sharing the news of ESPN Research Manager Zach Jones’ passing. Jones was 41 years old and endured a two-year battle with metastatic colorectal cancer, leaving behind his wife, Amber, and 10-year-old son, Silas.

Scott was visibly shaken as he broke the news during the SportsCenter broadcast, paying tribute to Jones’ contributions to ESPN and his profound impact on those around him. “ESPN lost one of our own yesterday,” Scott began, his voice breaking.

“Research manager Zach Jones died Sunday after a two-year fight with colorectal cancer that had metastasized before his diagnosis. You may have never seen him on your screens, but you saw his work on our live golf coverage, women’s college basketball coverage, and SportsCenter.”

Scott struggled to maintain composure as he spoke about Jones’ life and legacy. “He came here in 2010 as a researcher and joined the management team in 2018. But more important than that, he got married here. He started a family here.” The emotional tribute revealed the depth of Scott’s connection to Jones. Scott recounted his last conversation with his colleague, which took place just weeks before his passing.

“When I saw Zach in the cafeteria a couple of weeks ago, he was hopeful, but he was also reflective,” Scott shared, as tears began streaming down his face. “He said he just wanted his family to be okay after a recent move to Texas. He fought like hell. He gets to rest now. We love you, buddy.”

A member of ESPN’s Stats and Information team since 2010, Jones was known for his dedication to his work and family. He was a Stanford graduate, an avid Cardinal fan, and a passionate advocate for each of the sports he covered.

His contributions behind the scenes were instrumental in enhancing ESPN’s programming, from golf broadcasts to women’s basketball. Scott concluded his heartfelt message with a poignant acknowledgment of Jones’ family: “He loved his wife, Amber, and he loved his son, Silas, who turned 10 last month and lost his dad three days before Christmas. Zach Jones was 41 years old.”

The announcement prompted an outpouring of grief and tributes from colleagues and viewers alike, including Sportscenter anchor Kevin Negandhi, ESPN Social Media Senior Director Brett Edgerton, and star MLB sportswriter Sarah Langs.

Negandhi celebrated Jones’ life, work, and resilience and wrote: “May you rest in peace Zach. A devoted dad who loved golf, the Chargers and his family. He was a fantastic researcher and had the perfect demeanor for TV. He will be missed by so many. Sending all of our love to his wife, son and their family. —- cancer. ”