Philadelphia sportscaster Gary Papa dies

Popular Philadelphia sportscaster Gary Papa has died after a long battle with prostate cancer.

Papa started his career as a weekend sports reporter in 1981, moving up the ranks to become the 6ABC Action News Sports Director and a regular on the channel reporting on the local sports news of the day.

Papa was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2003, and later announced on air in 2004 that he was battling prostate cancer, receiving an outpouring of emotion and support from the Philadelphia area and beyond. After a period of remission, the cancer returned, and he announced once again in 2007 that he was receiving chemo. His last appearance on air was May this year.

He is survived by his wife and son.

(Img: nootherone on Flickr)