The news that Hickman had died at the age of 66 broke on Wednesday night, causing a tremendous loss for the sports media community.
Hickman was a pioneer in sports journalism, and Twitter is flooded with tributes from admirers and former coworkers (with some fans noting that Charles passed away in 2011).
“@FHickmannews, I just learned of Fred Hickman’s passing. All upcoming black journalists owe Fred. He set the road for all of us when he worked for CNN at its inception.
He called on my birthday last Friday, but I didn’t answer. An icon is no more. Pray for his family, “a fan tweeted.
Harrison Golden, a close friend of Fred’s for many years, also posted a touching statement about his passing on social media.
Likewise, everyone has shared their heartfelt sympathies, paid respect to him on social media, and shared his beautiful memories in response to the news of his passing.
Our thoughts are also with Fred’s friends and family during these challenging times.
Many sports lovers went to CNN to watch Sports Tonight before SportsCenter took over the television market for sports news and highlights.
In the early 1980s, CNN Sports anchors Fred Hickman and Nick Charles established themselves as regulars on many screens in America.
Even before we had access to YouTube, some of us possessed the CNN Sports: Play of the Day VHS, which included incredible sports footage.
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