Vaughn McClure has passed away peacefully today, Thursday, October 15, 2020 at the age of 48.
McClure, who graduated from Northern Illinois University in 1994, was a Chicago native.
Professional Information
McClure joined ESPN to cover the NFL, and he settled in on the Atlanta Falcons beat as part of NFL Nation. He covered the team during its run to Super Bowl LI in 2017. He contributed to ESPN’s television and radio coverage of the Falcons and the NFL as well.
Surviving Families
He is survived by his family members.
Tributes
“We all loved Vaughn,” said John Pluym, senior deputy editor for digital NFL coverage at ESPN. “He had a heart of gold. He was so helpful to our reporters. In the last few hours, we’ve heard so many stories about how Vaughn had helped them with a story or how he put in a good word for them with a coach or player.”
Pluym added: “Talking to Vaughn on the phone was always a joy. I loved how you could just sense the excitement in his voice for being able to cover the Falcons for ESPN. We will all miss him greatly. And I’ll end this the way Vaughn ended every phone call with a colleague: ‘Appreciate you. Love you.’ We all loved him, too.”
The Atlanta Falcons, in a statement, said: “We are saddened to learn of the passing of ESPN’s Vaughn McClure. He was an earnest, thoughtful reporter who had a passion for his craft and the relationships he held. He will be missed dearly and we are holding his family, friends and associates in our thoughts and prayers.”
“People will probably remember how Vaughn was able to connect and develop trusting relationships with many of the athletes he covered, or how diligent he was about deadlines, or the countless times he volunteered to help out a colleague on another sport,” said Patricia Mays, senior director of content strategy and distribution at ESPN, who brought McClure to the company. “But what I respected most was how committed he was to continually improving. One of the last emails I received from him was asking for feedback. He wrote: ‘Would love to talk to you after the season about how I can get better at a lot of things. I want to be great at this job.'”
ESPN’s NFL Nation Reporter for the Atlanta Falcons, Vaughn McClure, died at his apartment in Atlanta. What a nice man he was. McClure was 48. Rest In Peace. pic.twitter.com/2bjwwKUjhH
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 15, 2020
Every day as an NFL reporter was better if you got to interact with Vaughn McClure. Speechless. RIP @vxmcclure23
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 15, 2020
Vaughn McClure made you feel like a celebrity every time you saw him. I simply cannot believe he is gone. Absolutely crushing. pic.twitter.com/uWjeWU6Tpa
— Dan Graziano (@DanGrazianoESPN) October 15, 2020
Vaughn McClure was a close friend for 15 years. We spoke on the phone every week. To say that everyone close to Vaughn is devastated would be an understatement. Vaughn was an amazing friend and colleague. He was always there for my family during difficult times. A true friend.
— Jeff Dickerson (@DickersonESPN) October 15, 2020
Absolutely crushed to hear the news about Vaughn McClure. I appreciated his friendship and our talks about family. I know he will be eager to see his father again.
— Mike Conti (@MikeConti929) October 15, 2020
NFL Nation is a family, and today my ESPN family is hurting. Vaughn McClure, my colleague covering the Falcons, passed away unexpectedly at home. I will miss him greatly. No one knew how to network like Vaughn, and I learned so much from him about how to build sources and
— Courtney Cronin (@CourtneyRCronin) October 15, 2020
NFL Nation is a family, and today my ESPN family is hurting. Vaughn McClure, my colleague covering the Falcons, passed away unexpectedly at home. I will miss him greatly. No one knew how to network like Vaughn, and I learned so much from him about how to build sources and
— Courtney Cronin (@CourtneyRCronin) October 15, 2020
I’m stunned and saddened by the passing of Vaughn McClure. He was always friendly. Always a gentleman. Always a professional. Condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues.
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) October 15, 2020
For those who weren’t lucky enough to meet Vaughn McClure or have the privilege to call him a friend, I want to at least share with you how I’ll remember him. Rest in paradise, my brother. Until we meet again… pic.twitter.com/O3BkWMn0A6
— Nick Wagoner (@nwagoner) October 15, 2020
Man Vaughn McClure passed a way. I literally go to his Twitter account every single day for the latest falcon news. Always see him around falcon training camp every year. Hearing this news makes me sad. Wow! Cool dude. He was only 48 😥 pic.twitter.com/fPxG92OQ5j
— Demario A. Falcons (@MARIOGA12000) October 15, 2020
Man Vaughn McClure passed a way. I literally go to his Twitter account every single day for the latest falcon news. Always see him around falcon training camp every year. Hearing this news makes me sad. Wow! Cool dude. He was only 48 😥 pic.twitter.com/fPxG92OQ5j
— Demario A. Falcons (@MARIOGA12000) October 15, 2020
Cause of Death
His cause of death is still unknown at the moment, we will update you as soon as we have the full details about his death.
Funeral Service & GoFundme
Funeral services will be made known as soon as it is being updated. Memorial donations may be made in Vaughn McClure’s name through the GoFundme page.