Longtime KOAA sports director Lee Douglas died suddenly on Sunday after suffering kidney failure.  He was 57.

“Lee was a legend in this town,” KOAA president and general manager Evan Pappas said in a statement.  “He had the kindest, gentlest manner about him and was universally loved inside and outside KOAA.  It’s sadly ironic that this news comes on Super Bowl Sunday, but losing someone you’re this close to–any day–is heartbreaking.”

Douglas spent nearly 30 years with the Colorado Springs NBC-affiliate.  He had served as the station’s sports director since 2000.  In addition to his work at KOAA, Douglas was the color commentator for Air Force football games.

KOAA has a video tribute to Douglas here.

Here’s a KOAA promo from a few years ago, featuring Douglas…