Beloved Sports Writer, Sharp-Witted Columnist Cecil Hurt Dead At 62

TUSCALOOSA, AL — Patch has confirmed that longtime Tuscaloosa News columnist Cecil Hurt, who covered sports at the University of Alabama through the good times and bad, died Tuesday afternoon at the age of 62.

According to a statement released by the legendary journalist's family, Hurt died at UAB Hospital in Birmingham after an extended battle with pneumonia and other underlying conditions.

Lauded and decorated for his reporting and commentary, Hurt's illustrious career first began at the Tuscaloosa News in 1982.

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In a statement published on Twitter, Hurt's family said he passed away peacefully and surrounded by loved ones.

"His family sincerely appreciates the outpouring of love and support shown to Cecil throughout this process. They also would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff at UAB ICU for the exemplary care and compassion they provided to Cecil and his family."

Funeral arrangements for Hurt have not yet been announced.

This is a developing story. Tuscaloosa Patch will have more soon.