On Friday, August 16, the sports journalism community and the broader Louisiana audience mourned the loss of Ed Daniels, a veteran sports director at WGNO. Daniels passed away three weeks after suffering a major heart attack while covering the New Orleans Saints training camp in California. His death marked the end of an illustrious career that spanned decades, during which he became a respected and beloved figure in sports journalism.

Ed Daniels, accompanied by his wife Robin, was in Los Angeles in late July, blending professional duties with personal time as the couple enjoyed a brief vacation. However, on the night of July 26, tragedy struck when Daniels experienced a severe heart attack shortly after midnight. He was immediately hospitalized in California, where he remained under medical care for several weeks.

Thanks to the assistance of Saints owner Gayle Benson, who provided a private aircraft, Daniels was eventually transported back to New Orleans. He was admitted to the Ochsner main campus on Jefferson Highway, where he continued to receive treatment. Despite the best efforts of medical professionals, Daniels succumbed to complications arising from the heart attack on August 16, leaving behind a legacy that few in Louisiana sports media can match.

Ed Daniels’ career at WGNO began in 1992 when he took on the role of sports director. Over the years, he became the senior-most member of the WGNO newsroom, setting high standards for sports journalism in the region. One of his most significant contributions was the creation of “Friday Night Football,” a program that became a staple for high school sports coverage in Louisiana. The success of this program later inspired “Friday Night Fastball,” which similarly spotlighted young local athletes in baseball, further solidifying Daniels’ commitment to promoting local sports talent.

Northford Resident David Gagné Dies In Fatal Branford Crash.

Daniels’ connection to Louisiana was deeply rooted. A native of the state, he graduated from Archbishop Rummel High School in 1975 before earning his degree from Loyola University in 1979. His dedication to sports and his home state was evident in his work, which earned him numerous accolades throughout his career. Daniels was a two-time recipient of the Louisiana Sportscaster of the Year award from the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association, a recognition of his excellence in sports journalism. Additionally, he was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the New Orleans Press Club, cementing his status as a towering figure in the local media landscape.

Beyond his professional achievements, Daniels was known for his mentorship and leadership within the WGNO newsroom. Colleagues remember him as a guiding force, always pushing for high standards and encouraging younger journalists to excel. His absence leaves a significant void, not just at WGNO, but across the entire Louisiana sports media community.

As the news of his passing spread, tributes poured in from across the state, reflecting the deep respect and admiration many had for Daniels. WGNO released a statement expressing the profound loss felt by those who worked with him, noting, “Ed was the most important and influential person to have worked in our newsroom. We miss him and will continue to endeavor to maintain the professional standards he set during his decades here.”

Daniels’ passing is not just a loss for those who knew him personally but for the countless viewers who relied on his expertise and passion for sports. His legacy will live on through the programs he created, the stories he told, and the many lives he touched during his storied career.

2 Killed In Crash On Harrison-brookville Road Near I-74 In Dearborn County

The Daniels family has not yet released details regarding his obituary and funeral arrangements. However, it is expected that when they do, many from the community he served so faithfully will come together to honor the life and legacy of Ed Daniels—a man whose contributions to Louisiana sports will not be forgotten.