Canadians are reacting to the death of TSN broadcaster Darren “Dutch” Dutchyshen. He was 57.
In a statement to TSN, his family wrote, “He passed as he was surrounded by his closest loved ones.”
“His sharp wit remained until his final moments, classically delivering plenty of jokes – most of them pretty good and all of them inappropriate,” they continued.
Dutchyshen is survived by his wife Candice and three children: Paige, Tyler and Brett.
TSN says it plans to honour him by inviting close friends and co-workers to share stories about him and his legendary career over the coming days.
“Darren Dutchyshen was a legend of Canadian sports broadcasting, a great teammate, and an essential part of TSN for the last three decades,” Senior Vice President, Sales & Sports, Bell Media, Stewart Johnston said in a statement.
“A larger-than-life personality, Darren’s incredible sense of humour and magnetic energy made him a natural broadcaster who connected easily with viewers. His enthusiasm reminded us every day of why we love sports. Most significantly, Darren was a friend to all of us at TSN, and we will miss him dearly. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with his loved ones.”
Dutchyshen was vocal about his battle with prostate cancer, which prompted him to take a break from anchoring the network’s flagship program SPORTSCENTRE in 2021. However, while he was still battling the disease he returned to the network a year later saying, “The place that I feel best is here (TSN).”
The Regina-born broadcaster started his career at TSN in 1995 hosting weekend editions of SportsDesk. For the last three decades, he was best known for hosting late-night editions of SPORTSCENTRE alongside co-anchor Rod Smith and later with Jennifer Hedger.
He also hosted Olympic Prime Time on TSN during the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver, and again for the London 2012 Summer Games.
Tonight, SPORTSCENTRE will feature a series of tributes to Dutchyshen, including a discussion of memories from some of his closest colleagues, starting at 6 p.m.
Online, co-workers, journalists and fans are reacting to his passing.
“Lit up every room…always. Someone I looked up to and he didn’t let me down.My deepest condolences and love,” Sportsnet Central Host Tim Micallef said on X.
“No one like Dutch. We are devastated and forever grateful for the time he gave us, Marissa Roberto, Host of Digital SportsCentre, posted on X.
“An icon and a legend. Sending our love to the TSN family,” NFL Canada posted.
“One of the BEST in the broadcasting scene. HUGE LOSS to Canadians,” one X user said.
“Really sad day. Grew up with Dutchy on the tv in the family room. He was just one of those people that put smiles on faces. Class act all the way through. Onwards and upwards, we’ll miss you,” another user said.
