Dave Wills Cause of Death
Dave Wills Cause of Death

Dave Wills Cause of Death: Understanding the Circumstances Surrounding His Passing

March 8, 2023 Rahul Khaira Celebrity 0

David Herbert Wills was an American sportscaster who, along with Andy Freed, was the voice of the Tampa Bay Rays on the radio from 2005 until Wills died in 2011.

During Rays games, Wills and Freed switched roles as play-by-play announcers and color commentators about every three innings.

Wills signed several new contracts with the Tampa Bay Rays Radio Network, and after the 2017 season, he signed another “multi-year” deal.

Dave Wills Cause of Death
Dave Wills Cause of Death

In this article, we’ll look at the circumstances surrounding Dave Wills’ passing and explore the cause of death.

Dave Wills Cause of Death: What Happened to Him?

Wills passed away on March 5, 2023, due to chronic cardiac disease. Wills was hospitalized in Toronto in September 2022 with a cardiac issue that was ultimately identified as supraventricular tachycardia.

As a result, he missed the final two weeks of the Rays’ regular season. He returned to the booth for the American League Wild Card Series in 2022.

What is Supraventricular tachycardia?

Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is an arrhythmia that affects the heart’s upper chambers and causes an unusually fast or chaotic heartbeat. Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia is another name for SVT.

The average heart beats between 60 and 100 times every minute. Tachycardia is the medical term for a heart rate greater than 100 beats per minute (tak-ih-KAHR-dee-uh).

The heart typically beats 150 to 220 times per minute during an episode of SVT, but it can occasionally beat faster or slower.

Most sufferers with supraventricular tachycardia don’t require medication or limits on their activities. Others may need medicine, cardiac surgery, and lifestyle modifications to eliminate their rapid heartbeats and associated symptoms.

Dave Wills Broadcasting Career

Wills started his on-air broadcasting career in Chicago as a sports reporter for WMAQ and WMVP.

From 1991 until 1995, he worked as the radio voice for the Class-A Kane County Cougars, where he held his first play-by-play role.

John Rooney’s pre- and post-game commentator and backup on White Sox radio broadcasts from 1997 through 2004 was Wills.

He also co-hosted a daily sports talk radio show at that time, hosted a local cable television sports show, hosted the pre-and post-game Notre Dame football and basketball radio broadcasts, and provided radio play-by-play for the basketball team of the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC).

The Tampa Bay Rays replaced Paul Olden, and Charlie Slowes, the team’s original radio broadcast duo, with Wills and Andy Freed before the 2005 season.

For their in-depth knowledge of the sport and on-air camaraderie, the two became well-liked in the Tampa Bay area and regarded throughout the league.

Wills was particularly well-known for his “large personality” and ability to engage with fans off-air. Wills was honored by the Irish-American Baseball Hall of Fame in 2016.

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Tributes to Dave Wills

Dave Wills’ passing has left a void in the entertainment industry and in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Tributes and messages of condolences have poured in from fans, colleagues, and friends who remember him as a kind, generous, and talented person.

His contributions to the world of radio and voice-over work will not be forgotten, and his legacy will continue to inspire future broadcasters.

Keith Olbermann’s tribute to Dave Wills: “The loss of @RaysBaseball announcer Dave Wills devastated a community, and a band of broadcasters and reporters who loved him. Six minutes on a great man and a great announcer in today’s Countdown podcast.”

Tampa Bay Rays tribute to Dave Wills: “The Tampa Bay Rays are deeply saddened to announce the passing of longtime radio announcer Dave Wills. A beloved figure throughout the Tampa Bay community and Major League Baseball, he will be missed dearly.”

Andrew Freed’s tribute to Dave Wills: “Yesterday was like every other day for the last 18 years. Sharing. Laughs. Baseball. Fun. No way to know it was the last time. Sadness beyond words today. It always felt like we were actual brothers. Will miss him forever. Love to him and his family.”

Neil Solondz’s tribute to Dave Wills: “Dave was the big brother I didn’t have growing up. Larger than life and a great friend. It’s hard to believe yesterday we were all together in the booth. It doesn’t seem real. We are stunned and heartbroken. All of our thoughts are with Liz, Michelle and Alex.”

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Rahul Khaira is a highly skilled writing expert with a passion for covering the latest celebrity news and games. With years of experience in the field, Rahul has honed his skills in crafting engaging content that captures the attention of his readers. He is known for his ability to break down complex topics into easy-to-understand pieces and his impeccable attention to detail.