Stuart Scott, the longtime ESPN “SportsCenter” anchor known for catchphrases like “Boo-Yah,” died on January 4, 2015, at age 49.

What happened

Scott was diagnosed in 2007 with a rare form of appendiceal cancer that was first discovered after an emergency appendectomy for severe stomach pain. He underwent surgeries and treatments over several years, but the cancer recurred multiple times before he ultimately died from the disease in 2015.

Legacy today

Since his death, his name has been attached to the Stuart Scott Memorial Cancer Research Fund, which supports research and scientists focused on reducing cancer disparities, especially in underrepresented communities. ESPN and the V Foundation continue to honor him through annual “Boo-Yah” events and, in 2025, a 30 for 30 documentary titled “Boo-Yah: A Portrait of Stuart Scott” highlighting his life and impact on sports media and culture.