ESPN Dallas' Richard Durrett dies

Richard Durrett, an ESPNDallas.com writer since 2009, died Tuesday. He was 38.

"We are deeply saddened by the loss of Richard Durrett, who covered the Texas Rangers and other sports for ESPN Dallas for the past five years," said Patrick Stiegman, ESPN vice president and editorial director, digital and print. "Richard, 38, was a dedicated colleague and friend who was extremely respected and well-liked. He was known for creativity and an exceptional work ethic throughout his ESPN tenure, and nearly a decade at The Dallas Morning News before that.

"He will be deeply missed by his friends, colleagues and many sports fans he enlightened every day. Our thoughts are with his loved ones, including his wife, Kelly, and two children, Owen and Alice."

The Rangers said in a statement Tuesday night that the team was "shocked and saddened" by Durrett's death.

"Mr. Durrett earned the respect of team management and field personnel for his fair and thorough coverage on the Rangers beat," the statement said. "Mr. Durrett was a versatile journalist in every sense of the word with both his written and electronic coverage. He was always willing to contribute to Rangers publications and even did occasional radio play-by-play on Rangers broadcasts in spring training and the regular season.

"The thoughts and prayers of our entire organization go out to Mr. Durrett's family."

Durrett joined ESPNDallas.com in September 2009. Prior to joining ESPN, Durrett spent nine years at The Dallas Morning News. He also was the sports editor at the Record-Chronicle in Denton, Texas.

In addition, he and Ian Fitzsimmons hosted a radio show on ESPN Dallas 103.3 FM for several years.

The Rangers Foundation has set up a fund to benefit the Durrett family. Donations can be made through the Rangers' website, texasrangers.com/foundation.

Services are pending.