Chet Coppock, Chicago sports reporter, dies at age 70 after a car accident

CHICAGO (WLS) – Chet Coppock, an icon of Chicago's sports television channel known as "Godfather of Sports," has passed away. He was 70 years old.

Coppock was injured in a car accident on April 6 in Okatie, South Carolina, between Savannah, Ga., And Hilton Head Island.

He was a passenger in a vehicle driven by a 50-year-old woman from Hammond, Indiana, according to the South Carolina Highway Patrol. Their vehicle crossed a median and struck another vehicle, which struck a third vehicle.

Coppock was injured several times in the accident and was transported to the Memorial University Medical Center in Savannah, police said. He died Wednesday at the hospital, with his family at his side, according to his ex-wife, Anna Marie Busalacchi.

The woman driving the car in which they were was transported to the hospital where she was reported to be in serious condition. Police said the other injuries reported were minor.

Investigators work to determine the cause of the accident.

During his decades of career, Coppock has worked on television, radio and in newspapers in Chicago, Indianapolis and New York. He is recognized by many for developing the sports magazine format on television and radio. He was known for his flamboyant style and fun antics on the radio.

Coppock was once the voice of Notre Dame Football and was working as an NBA network host. He has also been an announcer for the Roller Derby and the World Wrestling Federation.

He has worked closely with many Chicago-area charities, including the Children's Network, the Little City Foundation, and the Italian-American Sports Hall of Fame.

Coppock was born in Northfield, Illinois. He attended the Chicago Cubs games with his father and has been a Bears Season subscriber for over 50 years.

He leaves to mourn Busalacchi and their two children, Lyndsey and Tyler.

Busalacchi said Coppock was very proud of his children. He had just walked Lyndsey in the alley at his wedding on March 15th.

"Chet loved the time and love shared with Lyndsey and Tyler, reflecting their youth and the thrill of seeing them become happy, kind and prosperous adults, and for that he will be missed and remembered. with love, "Busalacchi said in a statement released Thursday morning.

A memorial service will be organized by his family.