Tunch Ilkin Dead: Former Pittsburgh Steelers broadcaster and ex NFL player dies aged 63

Former Pittsburgh Steeler broadcaster, Tunch Ilkin, has reportedly passed on at the age of 63 on September 4, 2021, after a year-long fight with ALS.

ALS (Amyotrophic lateral Sclerosis) is commonly known as Lou Gehrig Disease is a progressive neurological disease that impacts nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. He was diagnosed with the disease in September, and he announced it publicly a month later.

Ilkin continued his broadcast profession through the end of the season. In June, he announced that he was stepping away from his duties to fight against the disease.

The Steelers unveiled Ilkin as the headliner of the organization’s fifth Hall of Honor Class on July 31, and Ilkin said then that he was planning to attend the ceremony in November.

Ilkin’s first wife died in 2012 of cancer. He is survived by his second wife, Karen and children, Tanner, Natalie and Clay.