On December 23, Fox News Radio anchor and sports reporter Matt Napolitano passed away, as announced by his husband, Ricky Whitcomb, on that same day.

Whitcomb conveyed the sad news, saying, “It is with a heavy heart that I must share the passing of my husband @MattNapolitano, which occurred yesterday morning. He had a deep passion for his work and for delivering the news to your radios and televisions.”

On social media, Whitcomb shared that Napolitano had battled an autoimmune disease for nearly two decades and ultimately succumbed to an infection. Social media posts also indicated that the couple had tied the knot in May 2023.

Fox News Media CEO Suzanne Scott informed the staff about Matt Napolitano’s passing during the holiday weekend. According to a memo shared with USA TODAY, Napolitano, who held various roles such as anchoring, writing, and producing for audio platforms, had an enduring love for journalism, a passion he had pursued throughout his life.

Fox’s director of Chicago bureau operations, Adam Petlin, also passed away on the same day, as conveyed in a separate memo from Fox News Media CEO Suzanne Scott.

Scott noted that in addition to his studio work, Napolitano showcased his talents by being a runner-up on Jeopardy! and making it to the bonus round of Wheel of Fortune. Despite his diverse skills, Napolitano’s dedication to journalism made a lasting impact during his time at Fox, Scott pointed out.

Outsports affectionately referred to Napolitano as “Matty Naps,” recognizing him as a rising gay star in the world of radio and sports media. Fox News acknowledged Napolitano’s contributions, emphasizing his work across their audio platforms.

Additionally, he brought sports stories to “Cavuto Coast to Coast” and provided voiceovers for various Fox affiliates, according to Scott’s statement.

A graduate of Hofstra University, Napolitano had previous positions with Merlin Media and TMZ before joining Fox, as reported by Outsports. Despite not prominently featuring his sexuality in his public life, Napolitano, who married Whitcomb earlier that year, didn’t shy away from supporting LGBTQ causes. He openly shared pro-LGBTQ messages on social media, which was highlighted in a story commended by Whitcomb as a “beautiful write-up on Matt and his achievements” by Outsports.

According to Outsports, online tributes to Napolitano described him as a great friend and supportive colleague. Others aimed to raise awareness about living with an autoimmune disease and how it can unexpectedly claim lives.

One user remarked, “Let’s acknowledge the reality. Some of these ‘infectious’ disorders are still prevalent in society, although people might not realize it. I can think of only one autoimmune disease where a person can live with it and succumb to complications triggered by a common cold.”