Remembrances from all across the college football world are pouring in on Tuesday evening following the death of veteran Tuscaloosa News columnist and reporter Cecil Hurt. Hurt passed away at the age of 62 after nearly 40 years covering Alabama football and basketball.

One of those that offered condolences was SEC commissioner Greg Sankey. The 2 men got to know each other during Sankey’s time with the conference before and after he was named its commissioner in 2015 following the retirement of the late Mike Slive.

“I am saddened to learn of Cecil Hurt’s passing,” Sankey said on Twitter. “Cecil was a leading voice in telling the story of the SEC for four decades. The relationships he built, his credibility with readers, his clarity in communication and unrivaled wit made him a pillar of his profession. RIP Cecil.”

According to a statement posted to his Twitter account, Hurt died in Birmingham on Tuesday following a bout with pneumonia that was complicated by health issues unrelated to the coronavirus.

”Cecil passed peacefully while surrounded by family and a close friend,” the statement read.