Add Barack Obama to the list of those mourning the death of Stuart Scott.
The president released a statement Sunday afternoon just a few hours after the sports world learned of Scott’s passing. The ESPN anchor was just 49 years old, and his death, after three courageous bouts against cancer, shook sports fans everywhere, including Obama.
Here’s the statement on Scott’s passing:
“I will miss Stuart Scott. Twenty years ago, Stu helped usher in a new way to talk about our favorite teams and the day’s best plays. For much of those twenty years, public service and campaigns have kept me from my family — but wherever I went, I could flip on the TV and Stu and his colleagues on ‘SportsCenter’ were there. Over the years, he entertained us, and in the end, he inspired us — with courage and love. Michelle and I offer our thoughts and prayers to his family, friends, and colleagues.”
Scott leaves behind two daughters.
Thumbnail photo via  Bob Donnan/USA TODAY Sports
