David Courtney, Metro/L.A. Reporter And Angels-Clippers-Kings P.A. Voice, Dies At 56

Courtney

Condolences to family and friends of longtime METRO NETWORKS/LOS ANGELES sports, news, and traffic reporter and LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS, ANGELS, and KINGS public address announcer DAVID COURTNEY, who died THURSDAY morning of a pulmonary embolism at the age of 56.  The ANGELS issued a statement this afternoon announcing COURTNEY's passing.

The team's statement read, "The ANGELS family is deeply saddened to hear of DAVID’s passing.  He was a gentle soul, a consummate professional and an unforgettable voice tied to several professional SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA sports teams. Over the past 18 years, his love, dedication and passion for the ANGELS was evident every time his voice rang through the ballpark. Our thoughts and prayers go out to DAVID’s family at this difficult time."

The CLIPPERS issued a statement reading, “Today our organization lost a good friend. In his years as public address announcer for CLIPPERS’ home games, DAVID COURTNEY was a consummate professional who brought a unique passion and energy to every event. We are saddened by his passing, and we extend our deepest sympathies to his wife, JANET and the rest of his family. DAVID will be missed by the many people whose lives he touched.”

KINGS President, Business Operations and former star player LUC ROBITAILLE said, "DAVID was tremendously passionate about the KINGS, our fans and the game of hockey. His time with the KINGS dates back to the mid 1970s both in our PR office as our public relations director and also with work he did in our video department before he took over full-time Public Announcing duties at the FORUM and STAPLES CENTER. In the arena he was an institution – he was the voice of the KINGS – and his work added so much to the live, in-game experience for our fans as it did for the CLIPPERS and ANGELS as well. Next season would have been DAVID’s 35th year with our franchise, and on behalf of the entire KINGS organization and AEG we are incredibly saddened by this news and we send our deepest condolences to his wife JANET and the rest of the COURTNEY family."

COURTNEY, a NEW YORK native, moved to LOS ANGELES in 1963 with his family when his father ALAN was named President of MGM TELEVISION.  He joined the LOS ANGELES KINGS as a public relations assistant in 1971 (at the age of 14) and became Public Relations Director of the WORLD HOCKEY ASSOCIATION's HOUSTON AEROS in 1978, then served as public address voice of the HOUSTON ASTROS, ROCKETS, and USFL GAMBLERS before returning to LOS ANGELES.  He also was the public address announcer for LOS ANGELES RAMS football in ANAHEIM before the team moved to ST. LOUIS.

« see more Net News