Jim Donovan, the beloved radio play-by-play announcer for the Cleveland Browns and a TV sports fixture for more than four decades, died Saturday. He was 68.

Donovan retired from his broadcast career earlier this year and stepped away from his game-day duties with the team before this season while battling cancer. Donovan announced his retirement from WKYC on May 30 and worked his final broadcast as a sports anchor on June 10. He had called Cleveland’s games since the team’s expansion rebirth in 1999.

“This is an incredibly difficult day for us and the entire Cleveland Browns organization,” Browns owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam said in a statement. “His impact as the Voice of the Browns for 25 years is immeasurable as he touched the lives of our fans each and every Sunday with his love for the Browns and his brilliance at his craft.

“He will be greatly missed, but he cemented a legacy that will live on forever. The only thing that outweighed his love for this city and this team was the love he had for his family. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Cheryl, his daughter, Meghan, and everyone who was fortunate enough to call Jimmy family or friend.”

A Boston native known to everyone as “Jimmy,” Donovan endeared himself to Cleveland fans with his passion, sense of humor and professionalism. He was a stickler for detail, spending countless hours preparing for game broadcasts.

Donovan had recently been inducted into the Browns’ Legends Club and the Greater Cleveland Sports Hall of Fame. He had been too ill to attend the events.

When he was forced to step down in August, Donovan wrote a letter to Browns fans expressing his gratitude for their support.

“I have called Browns games for 25 years. Not a day has gone by when I haven’t paused and been so proud to be ‘The Voice of the Browns,'” he wrote. “Cheryl, Meghan and I thank you for all the love, support and prayers during my rough patches. It’s like having a huge family around us. And that’s what makes the Cleveland Browns so special. You do.”

Donovan had to step away as sports director at WKYC-TV last fall for several months to undergo treatment for leukemia. He returned to the broadcast booth in time to call the team’s late-season run to the playoffs.

Donovan was first diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia, a strain of the disease that starts in white blood cells and affects bone marrow, in 2000. He underwent a bone marrow surgery in 2011.

A graduate of Boston University, Donovan got to Cleveland in 1985. Along with doing local reporting of the city’s three professional sports franchises, Donovan also had several national network assignments and was part of NBC’s coverage team at the 1992 and 1996 Summer Olympics.

NEW YORK – Hip hop producer DJ Clark Kent has died after a battle with colon cancer, according to a post on his official social media account. He was 58. 

“It is with deep sadness we share the passing of the beloved Rodolfo A. Franklin, known to the world as DJ Clark Kent. Clark passed away Thursday evening surrounded by his devoted wife Kesha, daughter Kabriah, and son Antonio,” they wrote. “Clark quietly and valiantly fought a three year battle with colon cancer, while continuing to share his gifts with the world. The family is grateful for everyone’s love, support and prayers during this time and ask for privacy as they process this immense loss.” 

Tributes poured in. 

“I have know you since I was 13. Taking the train all the way to Brooklyn just to come practice and DJ with you… I knew you was the right person to be around if I wanted to sharpen my skills,” Pete Rock wrote. 

“The first man that believed in my voice,” MC Lyte wrote.

“My brother is gone, it has been an honor to know him, our talks I will cherish forever, he was one of a kind, and the world has lost a great one,” Kid Capri wrote. 

“God bless our hero and deepest condolences,” wrote Killer Mike. 

“The world was just better with u in it,” Angie Martinez, who was working on a documentary about Franklin, wrote. “You were not like everyone. Your cloth was richer, your pedigree more solid, the love u put into everything and everyone you touched… just hit harder. And I promis you and Kesh that I will not sleep til we share your story.” 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams also paid tribute. 

“DJ Clark Kent solidified his legacy in the world of hip hop. He worked with the greats, and become [sic] one of them. Heartbroken to hear of his passing. Sending my prayers to his family and loved ones as he joins his mother Cynthia, who was a dear friend of mine,” Adams wrote on social media. 

Franklin got his start in the 1980s, working as Dana Dane’s DJ in various New York City clubs. He went on to produce numerous hits, including Junior M.A.F.I.A.’s “Players Anthem,” Jay-Z’s “Brookyln’s Finest,” as well as “Loverboy” by Mariah Carey. 

Other artists he worked with include Queen Latifah, Doug E. Fresh, the Fugees, Rakim, Ice Cube and many more.