Original upload date: Sat, 14 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT
Archive date: Sun, 28 Nov 2021 00:30:15 GMT
4-09-2002. ((upgrade of an older vid)) This is Chick Hearn's return from an extended absence that season due to heart surgery and hip surgery. He injured his hip in a fall at a gas station as he wa
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s getting close to returning from the heart surgery that was performed in Dec of that season. His streak spanned 3338 straight broadcasts between 1965 and 2001. Four months later, on Aug 5, 2002, he died after a fall in his back yard resulting in emergency brain surgery. His end was unfortunately a textbook occurrence for an 85 year old. When the elderly fall once, it often precedes other falls and each fall/surgery takes something out of them. Sadly, that's what happened to Chick. Fittingly, though, the Lakers won a title on the last game that he worked. His final appearance with the team was at the June 2002 championship parade/rally. RIP, Chicky Baby! We still miss you dearly.
