Ed Danielsa long-time sports reporter from Louisiana, died this week at the age of 67. He suffered a medical emergency earlier this month and WGNO-TV announced his death on Friday.
After LSU’s Training on Saturday, Brian Kelly opened his press conference with condolences to Daniel’s family. He was a fixture on the Louisiana sports scene and had been with WGNO since 1992.
Kelly also recalled his last conversation with Daniels. It was at SEC Media Days last month, and the coach joked that Daniels did something the others in the media room didn’t do – he had his own camera.
“I hate to open the press conference with bad news, but it is with a heavy heart that we want to express our condolences to the Daniels family,” Kelly said. “We lost a great man in Ed. He lost his battle here the other day and I think we all know him here in the state of Louisiana as a passionate sports reporter and his work was incredible. Whether it was in high school, college or in the pros.”
“The last time I had a chance to be with him was SEC Media Day. Unlike some of you elitists here, he had his own camera with him – I’m kidding. He had his camera with him and was actually waiting for a few of the guys. But that’s the way he was. I only knew him for a few years, but those who knew him longer will certainly miss him.”
Daniels was a fixture in Louisiana and known for his Friday Night Football segment that focuses on high school athletes around the bayou. He suffered a heart attack in California while covering the Saints’ training camp and flew back to Louisiana after being treated at a local hospital, WGNO reported.
The Saints and Pelicans also released a joint statement following Daniels’ death. Both franchises, owned by Gayle Bensonexpressed his condolences to his family. Benson also financed Daniels’ flight home, his wife said in a letter to the Clarion-Herald.
“The New Orleans Saints and New Orleans Pelicans are saddened to learn of the passing of longtime New Orleans sports star Ed Daniels,” the statement said. “Ed was one of the longest-serving media figures in our market, covering the Saints for over 40 years and the Pelicans (formerly the Hornets) since they began play in New Orleans in 2002.”
“Ed was a native of New Orleans and loved his hometown very much, both as a sportscaster and as a person. He recognized the importance of local high school sports and their value to our youth. We send our thoughts and condolences to Ed’s family, friends and colleagues.”
