Canucks writer and broadcaster Jason Botchford dead at 48

Popular Vancouver hockey writer and broadcaster Jason Botchford has passed away.

TSN 1040's Mike Halford and Jason Broughmade the announcement on their show this morning, saying Botchforddied of apparent heart failure on the weekend.

"He was a good friend and good colleague. This is a profound loss that has hit people hard," said Halford.

Botchford, 48, is survived by his wife and three children.

Podcast partner Jeff Paterson said he was at a loss for words.

"Botchwas a good friend and terrific travelling companion. It's just completely shocking," said Paterson.

Botchford started covering the NHL in 2005at The Province newspaper and website, whileappearing frequently on TSNradio and television.

While at The Province, Botchford'sentertaining and edgyProvies column became a must-read for Canucks fansmixing game analysis with funnyeditorial, Twitter commentsand inside jokes.

Botchford left The Province in September 2018 after a contract issue, moving to online sports website The Athletic, where he became a senior writer. His column was renamed the The Athletties.

He was popular on Twitter as well, with more than 59,000 followers.

In a statement released on Twitter, the Vancouver Canuckssaid everyone at the organization was "deeply saddened" by the news.

"Jason was an incredibly passionate and dedicated reporter who connected with Canucks fans everywhere. His loss is heart-breaking for us all. The Botchford family is in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time," the statement said.

Botchford grew up in Aurora, Ont., and started his journalism career at the Toronto Sun.