ESPNers pay tribute to late colleague Zach Jones, dead at 41

ESPN shared some tragic news during Monday’s episode SportsCenter.

Just a few days before Christmas, the network announced that head of research Zach Jones, who joined ESPN in 2010, had died at the age of 41. Jones, who is survived by his wife, Amber, and his son, Silas, had been a State and information team member since 2018.

First, Kevin Neghandi paid tribute to Jones on social media.

May you rest in peace Zach. A devoted father who loved golf, the Chargers and his family. He was a great researcher and had the perfect demeanor for television. He will be missed by so many. Sending all our love to his wife, son and their family. Fuck cancer. pic.twitter.com/zl0Z4Kd6gw

— Kevin Negandhi (@KevinNegandhi) 23 December 2024

Randy Scott took the opportunity to do the same SportsCenter.

“ESPN lost one of our own yesterday,” Scott said. “Researcher Zach Jones died Sunday after a two-year battle with colorectal cancer that had metastasized before his diagnosis. You may never have seen him on your screens, but you saw his work. On our live golf coverage, on our women’s basketball coverage or any of our SportsCenter shows. He came here in 2010 as a researcher and joined the management teams of the Stats and Information Group in 2018.

“But more important than that, he got married here; he started a family here. The Stanford graduate loved the Cardinal, and he loved golf. He loved his wife, Amber. And he loved his son, Silas, who turned 10 last month – and he lost his father three days before Christmas.

“I saw Zach in the cafeteria just a few weeks ago. He was hopeful, but he was also reflective. He said he just wanted his family to be okay after a recent move to Texas. He was fighting like hell; he gets to rest now. We love you, mate. Zach Jones was 41 years old.”

We remembered Zach Jones on SportsCenter this morning.

Our friend, Amber’s husband, and Silas’ father. pic.twitter.com/YAMMhg9Y5l

— Randy Scott (@RandyScottESPN) 23 December 2024

We wish to extend our best wishes to the Jones family during this challenging time.

May Zach’s memory be a blessing to his loved ones, friends and colleagues.