Richard Durrett, who had been an ESPN writer since 2009, died suddenly on Tuesday.

"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.