Colleagues, Friends Remember Sports Journalist Matt Napolitano

Out, gay sports journalist Matt Napolitano has passed away, according to a statement released by his husband, Ricky Whitcomb. He was 33.

According to Whitcomb, Napolitano was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease more than 20 years ago and died after an infection. Whitcomb and Napolitano, who was a sports journalist for Fox News Media and for their radio platforms, wed seven months ago.

"With a heavy heart I have to share that my husband @MattNapolitano passed away yesterday morning," Whitcomb wrote Christmas Eve on X. "He loved his job and he loved bringing the news to your radios and televisions. An honest journalist who truly cared about facts."

Upon hearing of the news, fans showered Whitcomb with well wishes and fond memories of Napolitano's work.

"You can thank him for the last minute Jets win today," wrote one commentator.

Napolitano graduated from Hofstra University. He held jobs at Merlin Media and TMZ before landing at Fox News Media.

Sportswriter Jerry Beach asked supporters to keep Napolitano's husband, family and friends in their thoughts, writing: "On this Christmas Eve, please keep in your thoughts the husband, family & friends of @MattNapolitano, who died this weekend. He was an unbelievably funny & talented person & it was a privilege to get to know & befriend him when he was a Hofstra student covering sports at the U."

Out gay conservative talk show host Guy Benson also expressed his love for Napolitano, writing, "I'm stunned and so very sad to learn of the death of our @foxnewsradio colleague, @MattNapolitano. He was a great guy & appeared on the show numerous times, typically talking sports. 33 years old. My gosh. My prayers go to his family. Gutwrenching. I can't believe it. RIP."

A true talent celebrated by all. Rest in peace, Matt.