Longtime Hornets Beat Writer Rick Bonnell Dies

Longtime Charlotte Observer Hornets beat writer Rick Bonnell has died, his family said Wednesday. Bonnell was 63.

Per the Observer, Bonnell was found, unresponsive, at his home by a friend Tuesday evening. His death is believed to be of natural causes, his son told the Observer.

Bonnell served as the Observer’s beat writer starting with their inception in the 1988-89 season. He is the past president of the Pro Basketball Writers Association.

“The members of the PBWA are overwhelmed with sadness by the death of Rick Bonnell, our beloved friend and trusted colleague,” the PBWA wrote in a statement. “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.”