Vaughn McClure, ESPN Falcons Reporter, Dies at 48

Vaughn McClure, who covered the Atlanta Falcons for ESPN, has passed away at the age of 48. Adam Schefter shared the sad news Thursday on Twitter:

ESPN’s NFL Nation Reporter for the Atlanta Falcons, Vaughn McClure, died at his apartment in Atlanta. What a nice man he was. McClure was 48. Rest In Peace. pic.twitter.com/2bjwwKUjhH

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 15, 2020

McClure joined ESPN in 2013. Before that he covered the Chicago Bears for the Chicago Tribune from 2008-2013. Before the Chicago Tribune, McClure did work for the DeKalb Daily Chronicle, South Bend Tribune, Fresno Bee and Chicago-Sun Times.

The Atlanta Falcons issued the following statement:

pic.twitter.com/UVPFjgBZBw

— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) October 15, 2020

After Schefter tweeted the news, tributes from friends and colleagues immediately came pouring in:

Vaughn would often sign off conversations by saying "Love you man." It was a testament to an individual with a heart of gold.

RIP to a friend gone way too soon. https://t.co/R54pZCnOTD

— Field Yates (@FieldYates) October 15, 2020

One of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet. Tremendous reporter around the NFL, especially in Chicago and Atlanta. This Is terrible news. https://t.co/UuVtGEgyGE

— Dan Wetzel (@DanWetzel) October 15, 2020

Life is too unfair at times. There’s not many people I enjoyed debating NBA with or being my tour guide in your hometown of Chicago in the summer. Gone way too soon. Love ya like a brother! RIP ⁦⁦@vxmcclure23⁩ pic.twitter.com/FBLGzY1iDt

— Mike Wells (@MikeWellsNFL) October 15, 2020

Low-key hilarious, always offered support, even when competing on the beat. One of my favorites to watch practice with. We lost a really good man today. https://t.co/VRNGm5Sg4I

— Laurence Holmes (@LaurenceWHolmes) October 15, 2020

This is crushing. An wonderful dude. RIP V 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾 https://t.co/nD2fcUMIyJ

— Steve Wyche (@wyche89) October 15, 2020

So sad to see this. Vaughn was such a kind man.. Heart goes out to his family. https://t.co/pjUOjldlHq

— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) October 15, 2020

Tragic! Vaughn was a wonderful guy. He will be missed https://t.co/sWHbBRVdnu

— Drew Rosenhaus (@RosenhausSports) October 15, 2020

Very tough news today about colleague and friend Vaughn McClure. Met him while covering Notre Dame in the early to mid 2000s, and became colleagues at ESPN when he joined to cover the NFL in 2013. Always welcomed me with a smile and a big hug. He will really be missed. RIP https://t.co/vvJdhYFE3v

— Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) October 15, 2020

Awful. Heart wrenching. Always with a smile, a hearty handshake or a hug. Great reporter, better guy. Would always send along fantasy related notes on the Falcons that weren't for his story or report but knew would be helpful for us. This sucks. Gone way too soon. #RIPVaughn https://t.co/SrWUz8n8bj

— Matthew Berry (@MatthewBerryTMR) October 15, 2020

This is so sad. I have known Vaughn since he entered the NFL as a beat writer. Just talked to him a couple of weeks ago. This is such shock. He was too young. Rest in Power. 2020 is the worst https://t.co/FOclW75WYb

— Clarence Hill Jr (@clarencehilljr) October 15, 2020

I’m heartbroken. Vaughn was such a terrific guy. The kind of person, pre-Covid, who would give you a warm hello and bear hug every time he saw you. This is terrible. https://t.co/GoV7A0ooMD

— Sam Farmer (@LATimesfarmer) October 15, 2020

Completely floored when I was told about this. He was a great teammate and was extremely supportive after we were mo longer teammates. Rest In Peace, friend. https://t.co/TB5g7U4N4b

— Bill Williamson (@BWilliamsonNFL) October 15, 2020

Honestly couldn't believe it when I heard this news earlier today. As nice and genuine a dude as there was on the NFL beat. RIP @vxmcclure23. https://t.co/QlOcXZO872

— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) October 15, 2020

We offer our heartfelt condolences to McClure’s colleagues, friends and family.