Iconic sports broadcaster Darrell Eastlake dead at 75

Iconic Australian sports broadcaster Darrell Eastlake has died at the age of 75.

The Wide World Of Sports commentator passed away on Thursday morning at a nursing home on the NSW Central Coast after a battle with Alzheimer’s disease, Channel Nine reports.

Channel Nine described Eastlake as a ‘larger-than-life personality who called rugby league matches and motorsports, as well as weightlifting and the Commonwealth and Olympic Games.

‘His over-the-top descriptions and ability to hype up any event with his booming voice made him a favourite among sports fans.’

The TV and radio veteran was the voice of State Of Origin games in the 1980s and 1990s.

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He had been fighting Alzheimer’s and emphysema for the past eight years.

Twitter has flooded with tributes to the Aussie icon.

RIP Darrell Eastlake – the sound of sports through our childhood.
— Michael Beveridge (@mickyb273) April 18, 2018

https://twitter.com/DavidCampbell73/status/986727156607737856?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&ref_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.news.com.au%2Fsport%2Fsports-life%2Ficonic-sports-broadcaster-darrell-eastlake-dead-at-75%2Fnews-story%2F738b4273b40e58e48e294d38ec2ff7b3&tfw_site=newscomauHQ

Sad news, Big Darrell Eastlake had died… he was the voice of sport for me as a kid, the Origin, and most importantly for me #F1. Thoughts with his family and friends…
— Trevor Long 💻 📱 📺 📻 (@trevorlong) April 18, 2018

Had the great privilege of working with the legendary Darrell Eastlake. A huge character and an iconic broadcaster. RIP Big Daz.
— Ben Damon (@ben_damon) April 18, 2018

Saddened to hear the news that Darrell Eastlake has passed. A legendary Sports Commentator. #RIP
— Greg Clark (@greg_clarkie) April 18, 2018

REST IN PEACE DARRELL EASTLAKE, HO HO Ho HUUUUUUUUUUUUUUGE MAN
I had to pay my respects in caps because I can still hear his voice whenever I see his name. What a legend.
— Higgo (@Higgo74) April 18, 2018

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Our thoughts are with Eastlake’s family at this difficult time.

Grace Back

Grace is the Digital Content Editor at New Idea. Grace is a lifestyle junkie who has previously interned at Dolly, Stellar and marie claire, as well having written in the fashion and beauty sections at Finder.com.au. When not working, you can find Grace heading for the slopes, playing with her pup or stuck in a seemingly endless Instagram scroll.

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