Gone Too Soon
Dallas sportswriter Richard Durrett dies unexpectedly at 38
Richard Durrett, a popular sportswriter for numerous Dallas outlets, died unexpectedly on June 17 after collapsing at his home. He was 38 years old. His cause of death was not immediately released, though signs point to a brain aneurysm.
Durrett worked for ESPN Dallas, where he primarily covered the Texas Rangers. In a statement, ESPN editorial director Patrick Stiegman praised Durrett's creativity and work ethic.
"He was a dedicated colleague and friend, who was extremely respected and well-liked. He was known for creativity and an exceptional work ethic throughout his ESPN tenure," Stiegman said. "He will be deeply missed by his friends, colleagues and many sports fans he enlightened every day."
Before joining ESPN in 2009, Durrett worked for the Dallas Morning News, the Denton Record-Chronicle and the Grapevine Sun.
Sportswriter Chuck Cox remembered his experiences with Durrett fondly. "He really wanted to help other journalists advance their careers," Cox says. "He was such a genuine person, and that's pretty rare in this business."
Durrett, a TCU graduate, is survived by his wife and two children. Information on funeral services is pending.
The Texas Rangers have established a Richard Durrett Memorial Fund to benefit the sportswriter's family. Donations can be made at texasrangers.com/foundation or through the mail at Richard Durrett Family Fund, Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation, 1000 Ballpark Way, Suite 400, Arlington, TX 76011.
