Rick Jeanneret cause of death: Rick ‘RJ’ Jeanneret, a cherished play-by-play announcer for the Buffalo Sabres, has passed away at the age of 81, leaving a memorable legacy in the world of sports broadcasting, particularly in hockey; to stay updated on current events, uncover interesting information, and acquire valuable knowledge, explore captivating and educational general articles at The Anand Market!
Contents
- Rick Jeanneret cause of death
- Rick Jeanneret Cause Of Death
- What Happened To Rick Jeanneret?
- How Did Rick Jeanneret Die?
- Who Was Rick Jeanneret?
- Rick Jeanneret Cause Of Death – FAQs
- What was the cause of Rick Jeanneret’s death?
- How long did Rick Jeanneret battle with his health before his passing?
- When did Rick Jeanneret die?
- What was Rick Jeanneret’s age at the time of his death?
- What role did Rick Jeanneret have in the Buffalo Sabres organization?
Rick Jeanneret cause of death
Detail | Information |
---|---|
Date of Birth | July 23, 1942 |
Place of Birth | St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada |
Association with Sabres | 51 years |
Hall of Fame Induction | 2012 |
Date of Passing | August 17, 2023 |
Age at Passing | 81 years |
Rick Jeanneret Cause Of Death
NHL broadcasting legend Rick Jeanneret passed away on August 17, 2023, after battling multi-organ failures, as confirmed by the Buffalo Sabres; he had spent over 50 years as their distinctive voice during games, and at the age of 81, he celebrated his birthday on July 23, only a few weeks before his unfortunate passing.
Despite his valiant struggle with multiple organ failures in recent years, his legacy lives on as a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and Hall of Fame broadcaster for the Sabres, and on August 17, 2023, surrounded by loved ones, he left behind a lasting impact that will be remembered forever.
Jeanneret’s illustrious career began with the Sabres in 1971, and he was honoured with inductions into the Sabres Hall of Fame in 2011, as well as the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame and the Buffalo Broadcasting Hall of Fame in subsequent years; his passing has led to an outpouring of tributes from colleagues, devoted fans, and fellow NHL figures, celebrating his iconic commentary and warmhearted nature, which will forever be treasured alongside his countless acts of kindness.
What Happened To Rick Jeanneret?
Rick ‘RJ’ Jeanneret, the iconic voice of the Buffalo Sabres, has left us, marking the end of an illustrious 51-year career as one of the most prominent figures in broadcasting; the saddening news broke on Friday, following his passing on Thursday night, August 17, 2023. Let’s take a moment to reflect on his remarkable journey and his impact on the industry.
Jeanneret’s legacy is truly unmatched. As a Hall of Famer, he concluded his incredible run just a year ago, solidifying his position as the NHL’s longest-serving play-by-play commentator. After gracing the airwaves with his exceptional talents for decades, Rick Jeanneret succumbed to a two-year battle with multi-organ failures on August 17.

Surrounded by his family in his final moments, RJ is remembered as a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and brother. His electrifying goal calls and dynamic commentary have left an indelible mark on both the NHL and the devoted Sabres fanbase.
His legacy is also defined by a string of unforgettable catchphrases that his fans often echo. Leading the pack is his iconic “May Day” call, forever associated with Brad May’s overtime goal during the 1993 Stanley Cup Playoffs, ending the team’s long playoff victory drought. Other lines like “Top shelf where Mama hides the cookies,” “We are not worthy,” “Call a cop, He robbed him,” and “Roll the highlight film” continue to resonate with fans.
Jeanneret’s journey began as a radio broadcast analyst for the Buffalo Sabres in the 1970-71 season, only their second season in the NHL. He transitioned to television broadcasting in 1995, a role he embraced until his later years when health concerns limited his travel involvement.
How Did Rick Jeanneret Die?
The NHL community mourned the loss of Buffalo Sabres’ enduring voice, Rick Jeanneret, who passed away at 81 after a two-year battle with multi-organ failures; having narrated Sabres hockey for an impressive 51 years, starting in the 1971-72 season, he transitioned to television broadcasts in 1995-96 and played a significant role in both TV and radio commentary from 1997-98 onwards until his retirement at the end of the 2021-22 season, leaving behind a legacy as the longest-serving single-team broadcaster in NHL history.
In recognition of his impact, Jeanneret received the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award in 2012 and earned spots in the Sabres Hall of Fame, Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame, Buffalo Broadcasting Hall of Fame, and even the Bare Knuckle Boxing Hall of Fame, making his influence felt far beyond just hockey.
The Sabres community and fans took to social media to express their deep emotions, with one fan stating that Jeanneret’s voice was what ignited their love for hockey as kids, while another found words insufficient to convey his significance to Buffalo.
However, Jeanneret’s reach extended beyond just Sabres enthusiasts, as even those not rooting for the team felt the magnitude of his loss, underlining the extensive impact he had on the broader world of hockey.
Who Was Rick Jeanneret?
Known affectionately as “RJ,” Rick Jeanneret left an indelible mark on the world of broadcasting as a prominent Canadian radio personality, serving as the play-by-play announcer for the Buffalo Sabres in the NHL and their broadcast network, the Sabres Hockey Network, for an impressive 51-year span; he passed away on August 17, 2023.
Starting his broadcasting journey in 1964 at Buffalo’s WKBW radio station, Jeanneret joined the Sabres’ broadcast team in 1971, quickly becoming an iconic voice in hockey, celebrated for his lively commentary and signature catchphrases like “May Day!” and “Oh my goodness gracious!”
Jeanneret’s resonant voice became synonymous with pivotal moments in Sabres history, narrating their journey to the Stanley Cup Finals in 1975 and their first two division championships in 1975 and 1976, as well as portraying the team’s prominent player, Gilbert Perreault.
Retiring from broadcasting in 2022, Jeanneret concluded his remarkable 51-season career, which earned him a spot in the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2020 as a testament to his immense contributions.
Receiving numerous accolades for his exceptional broadcasting, the pinnacle was the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award from the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2012; beyond the airwaves, he was honored with a street named after him in front of the KeyBank Center, the Buffalo Sabres’ revered home arena.
Rick Jeanneret Cause Of Death – FAQs
What was the cause of Rick Jeanneret’s death?
Rick Jeanneret passed away due to multi-organ failures.
How long did Rick Jeanneret battle with his health before his passing?
Rick Jeanneret fought a two-year battle against multi-organ failures before he passed away.
When did Rick Jeanneret die?
Rick Jeanneret passed away on August 17, 2023.
What was Rick Jeanneret’s age at the time of his death?
Rick Jeanneret was 81 years old when he passed away.
What role did Rick Jeanneret have in the Buffalo Sabres organization?
Rick Jeanneret was the long-standing play-by-play announcer for the Buffalo Sabres and their broadcast network for 51 years.