The college sports announcing world lost a significant voice this week with the passing of long-time Navy play-by-play broadcaster Pete Medhurst, who had called games for the Midshipmen since 1997. Medhurst also hosted programs on D.C.-area stations 106.7 The Fan and The Team 980, including the Nationals studio show Nats Talk Live, and provided play-by-play for various broadcasts. His diverse career also included calling lacrosse for the Big Ten Network, showcasing a variety of roles throughout the years.
His wife Brenda announced his passing on Facebook on Tuesday morning, revealing that Medhurst had been fighting cancer for an extended period. A game in early November marked the first time in 240 Navy football games that he wasn’t on the call, a moment that came after his diagnosis of brain cancer and subsequent surgery to remove a tumor. The #PrayForPete hashtag gained traction during this challenging time. Tributes to Medhurst flooded in after the news of his passing, with heartfelt messages from Navy football analyst Joe Miller, Navy Athletics, colleagues from his radio jobs, and others in the industry:
Dear @PeteMedhurst I will remember all the laughs, road trips and so many of those conversations. You were an endless cheerleader for me and I can’t imagine how different this journey would have been without your help and guidance. Rest in Peace. We will all miss you.
— Joe Miller (@Jomilmil) January 21, 2025
RIP to a Navy legend. Not only was he a great broadcaster, but a friend, father and husband. He touched the lives of so many midshipmen in his 28 years with Navy Athletics. You will be missed. pic.twitter.com/mJyGZyRHkr
— Navy Athletics (@NavyAthletics) January 21, 2025
Pete – you will be missed. Our hearts go out to you and your family. We hope you find the checkerboard endzone where you’re going! #GoNavy | #RollGoats pic.twitter.com/PUSVnsLnrl
— Navy Football (@NavyFB) January 21, 2025
We are so devastated to share the news that our friend Pete Medhurst has passed away after a battle with cancer. Pete was an incredible broadcaster. Whether on the play-by-play call for @USNavy sports, the @Nationals, or hosting for @1067thefan or @team980, Pete… pic.twitter.com/qD8V46fu3k
— 106.7 The Fan (@1067theFan) January 21, 2025
Always have had a hard time dealing with death. This one really stings. One of my biggest advocates. A mentor. A friend. A teammate. Our business is cutthroat and ultra-competitive. Pete, time and time again, went to bat for me, throwing my name out for opportunities. It meant so… pic.twitter.com/exPtx3XStR
— Lynnell Willingham (@Nell_BTP) January 21, 2025
Absolutely devastating news. Pete Medhurst was a wonderful person. I loved the three years I got to work with him on the Navy broadcast. I’ve never met someone who worked as hard as he did. Boy, did he love his job!
Rest in Peace, Pete. https://t.co/l035Q2Nhf8
— Tim Murray (@1TimMurray) January 21, 2025
Received call from @BWagner_CapGaz. I didn’t want. We lost @PeteMedhurst. Thinking of Brenda and family. Please help if you can. https://t.co/mGE2bhk3Hn
In 1988 at 17, Pete wandered into @1430WNAV, helping create @NavyFB and @NavyAthletics shows that still exist today. Those… pic.twitter.com/RsibAChc2c— Dave Johnson (@davejsports) January 21, 2025
Heavy heart today with this sad news from Brenda Medhurst. Hard to have met a nicer soul than Pete. RIP my friend.
“Last night we had to say goodbye to Pete Medhurst. Pete fought a hard battle against aggressive melanoma cancer. He spent…
— Charlie Slowes (@CharlieSlowes) January 21, 2025
RIP @PeteMedhurst. It’s been an unbelievable 28 years, and you will never be forgotten. Today is a very sad day. https://t.co/VGKuEqX4Gr
— Scott Strasemeier (@ScottStras) January 21, 2025
This is a sad day. Pete Medhurst was a tremendous broadcaster and an even better person. The work that I did was 10x better because he lent his voice to it. Navy Football will never sound quite the same. https://t.co/7IylhBt8l1
— Kevin Slattery (@KFSlattery) January 21, 2025
Pete Medhurst made me the coolest dad ever when he let me bring my daughter up to the radio booth at RFK for DC United. That is just a fraction of the countless things I owe him. You’ll never find a more genuine and giving person in the sports world. We’ve all lost today.
— Mike James (@navybirddog) January 21, 2025
I loved @PeteMedhurst. We all did. I hope he knew that. So many incredible conversations about life and sports. Perfect fit on @junksradio. A true broadcasting professional. My condolences to the Medhurst family. Looking forward to sharing Pete stories on the show. pic.twitter.com/CmrrzZ6Aq7
— Matt Cahill (@drabtshirt) January 21, 2025
Medhurst touched many lives through his diverse roles and left a lasting impact in various areas. Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time. Those wishing to support the family can do so via this GoFundMe created by his brother-in-law, which has already raised over $50,000.
