The sports broadcasting industry and sports world as a whole have suffered a great loss.

Longtime ESPN anchor Stuart Scott died Sunday morning at the age of 49. Sportscenter colleague Hannah Storm announced Scott's passing live on the air, fighting back tears. Scott was diagnosed with cancer back in November 2007, battling recurring bouts of the disease until his death.

Scott delivered an epic speech about his fight with cancer at the ESPYs last July, when accepting the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance.

"When you die, it does not mean that you lose to cancer," Scott said at the time. "You beat cancer by how you live, why you live, and in the manner in which you live."

Scott became a trendsetting sports anchor for delivering his signature phrases, "Boo-Yah!" and "As cool as the other side of the pillow," while infusing hip-hop culture in his commentary with flair live on Sportscenter.

"He didn't just push the envelope," former ESPN anchor and current radio host, Dan Patrick, told ESPN. "He bulldozed it."

Current ESPN colleagues tweeted about the impact that Scott leaves behind as both a professional and a man and father of daughters, Taelor, 19, and Sydni, 15. 

"The great Stuart Scott will be missed. He was a legend who revolutionized sports broadcasting," Chris Broussard said. "But even more, he was a great man and father." 

Added ESPN personality Jemele Hill: "I can never put into words what an incredible person Stuart Scott was. Truly one of the best people I've ever met in my life."

Added former NBA player and current ESPN personality Jalen Rose: I will always miss my good friend and colleague @StuartScott!! I love you brother! #RIP."

Scott had been with ESPN since 1993.

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