Longtime Hornets Beat Writer Rick Bonnell Dies at 63

Bonnell covered the Hornets for the Charlotte Observer since the team's inaugural season in 1988.

Rick Bonnell, who covered the Hornets for the Charlotte Observer from the team's inaugural season in 1988, has died at 63, the paper reported Wednesday.

His son, Jack, confirmed his death on Tuesday night and told the Observer that police told him that there was no reason to suspect foul play.

The cause of Bonnell's death has not been determined, his son told the Observer. However, it is reportedly believed to be of natural causes. 

Bonnell had more than 11,000 bylines in the paper, and as Scott Fowler of the Observer writes, "Bonnell didn’t just have institutional knowledge. He was an institution."

The Hornets released multiple statements regarding Bonnell's death, including from center Cody Zeller, guard Terry Rozier and former Charlotte forward Marvin Williams. 

“I’m very sad to learn about Rick’s passing. Rick was a staple at Hornets games, dating back to my playing days at the old Charlotte Coliseum," Hornets chairman Michael Jordan said. "He prided himself on being fair and honest in his reporting, and I truly respected that about him. Rick became the source for Hornets news in Charlotte, which speaks to his talent and professionalism. The Hornets’ family will miss Rick’s friendly face at our games. I send my condolences to his family and friends.”

News of his death sparked a wave of tributes from around the sports world: 

The members of the PBWA are overwhelmed with sadness by the death of Rick Bonnell, our beloved friend and trusted colleague. He cared about others and was a tremendous journalist. Our prayers go out to his family and to his co-workers at The Charlotte Observer. We love you, Rick. https://t.co/uLZJjEDneW

— The PBWA (@ProHoopsWriters) June 2, 2021

Rick Bonnell was one of the kindest, most selfless, most dedicated persons anywhere — not just in the journalism profession but any profession. He loved his family, and he also adored his colleagues and his job. Rest in peace, dear friend. https://t.co/4lKNqe2HL2

— Josh Robbins (@JoshuaBRobbins) June 2, 2021

Man, this is a blow. Rick loved the NBA, loved covering the Hornets and was as dedicated to the beat as anyone in the biz. Thoughts with his family. https://t.co/FCzEY2v1l3

— Howard Beck (@HowardBeck) June 2, 2021

I know people exaggerate w/ superlatives when someone dies but Rick was really one of the nicest people on the NBA beat. A true gentleman, happy for other ppl’s accomplishments (he sent so many nice DMs when I wrote something decent)

just a truly good human. God bless his family https://t.co/t6HyBYKXmz

— Candace Buckner (@CandaceDBuckner) June 2, 2021

Rick was just a good guy, a Charlotte institution. Us folks who cover the league have a close-knit bond and you could always count on seeing Rick every time you were in Charlotte or the Hornets were playing. A tremendous loss. Farewell Rick. https://t.co/jSWZzcpJnH

— gary washburn (@GwashburnGlobe) June 2, 2021

Devastating. Rick was the best. He had so much institutional knowledge. He always was willing to talk about hoops and the craft. And he always did so with enthusiasm. Thank you for everything Rick. May you rest in peace, and my condolences to his family, colleagues and friends https://t.co/hqFS4ZFn6H

— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) June 2, 2021

This is so sad.
Rick was the authority on Hornets' basketball, a Charlotte legend, and a just really good dude.
On a personal level, he was a champion for guys like @ESPNMcGee and me who do the job a little bit different.
We heard from him nearly every Saturday morning. https://t.co/v8B2IMpBeo

— Marty Smith (@MartySmithESPN) June 2, 2021

Am crushed. Crushed. You would not meet a kinder person if you walked into 20,000 press boxes. Rick especially mentored young writers and always made them feel like they were something even when nobody else did. Rick was so, so beloved. Too much loss. I can’t take it. https://t.co/DDLH2O1lOW

— Jourdan Rodrigue (@JourdanRodrigue) June 2, 2021

This hurts. Rick Bonnell was THE chronicler of NBA basketball in Charlotte. https://t.co/YEzvR08qSs

— J.A. Adande (@jadande) June 2, 2021

Devastating news. Rick loved mentoring young journalists and was always the first to help in any way. That always meant a lot to me. Sending prayers to his loved ones. https://t.co/FIrJ7ToM6e

— Grace Raynor (@gmraynor) June 2, 2021

This one truly hurts. Rick was a colleague, a friend and fellow #Cuse guy who I got to know when I covered the ACC in North Carolina. A great reporter, writer and friend. My deepest thoughts and prayers go out to Rick's family. 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾 https://t.co/4GyGthQoUX

— A. Sherrod Blakely (@ASherrodblakely) June 2, 2021

This is stunning and so sad. I knew Rick for nearly 40 years, dating to our Syracuse days. Such a good man and a talented journalist. Condolences to his family and colleagues in Charlotte. RIP https://t.co/h52rsdbhvk

— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) June 2, 2021

I’m at a loss for words — Rick was such a kind, supportive person. My cousin was writing a school paper on the NBA last year & I asked Rick if he would be willing to help. He couldn’t have said yes faster to taking time out of his day to speak to a teenager he didn’t know. https://t.co/470Lnmp2tf

— Marcel Louis-Jacques (@Marcel_LJ) June 2, 2021

A very kind man, a pro’s pro, a proud Syracuse 🍊 and someone whose friendly face I will miss on the beat. Rest easy, Rick. https://t.co/407hM23iqU

— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) June 2, 2021

Rick was so kind, so encouraging and welcoming -- and so, so great at his job. A kind word from Rick on a story you wrote always meant the world. An absolute gentleman. This news is just incredibly crushing. https://t.co/qV8iz7s91O

— Baxter Holmes (@Baxter) June 2, 2021