Minnesota Broadcaster Tom Hanneman Dead At 68

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Tom Hanneman, who worked as the play-by-play announcer for the Minnesota Timberwolves before joining Fox Sports North in 2012, died Friday at the age of 68.

"I am deeply saddened by the passing of Tom Hanneman. Since the inception of the Minnesota Timberwolves, Tom has been a broadcast fixture and voice of our franchise throughout the years," said Timberwolves and Lynx owner Glen Taylor in a statement.

"First on radio, then moving to television, his more than five decades of broadcast experience impacted generations of basketball fans. Tom’s grace, spirit and sense of humor was felt by all who came in contact with him. On behalf of the Timberwolves and Lynx, we extend our deepest condolences to Nancy, the Hanneman family, and his FOX Sports North family."

Before working for the Timberwolves, Hanneman was a reporter for WCCO for 16 years, notes the Star Tribune.

The Fox Sports North network stated Friday that "We’re deeply saddened by the loss of our dear friend and colleague Tom Hanneman. He meant the world to so many in Minnesota and across the nation. Out of respect for his family, we’re going to take all of the time necessary to reflect and properly honor this great man."