Matt Napolitano, a Fox News sports reporter, passed away on December 25, 2023, after a long battle with an autoimmune disease. He was 36 years old.
Napolitano was known for his lively and humorous coverage of various sports events, including the Super Bowl, the World Series, the Olympics, and the FIFA World Cup.
He hosted a weekly podcast called “The Sports Reporters” with his colleagues and friends.
Matt Napolitano Illness: A Rare and Fatal Condition
Napolitano was diagnosed with scleroderma in 2020, a rare and chronic autoimmune disease.
It causes the body’s immune system to attack its tissues, resulting in hardening and scarring of the skin and internal organs.
According to the Scleroderma Foundation, about 300,000 Americans have scleroderma, and there is no cure for it.
Napolitano underwent several treatments, including chemotherapy, stem cell transplant, and immunosuppressants, but his condition worsened over time.
He suffered from severe complications, such as pulmonary fibrosis, kidney failure, and heart arrhythmia. He was hospitalized several times and required oxygen therapy and dialysis.
Despite his illness, Napolitano continued to work as a sports reporter until November 2023, when he announced that he was taking a leave of absence to focus on his health.
He thanked his fans and colleagues for their support and prayers and hoped to return to the airwaves soon.
Matt Napolitano Health Issues: A Legacy of Courage and Inspiration
Napolitano’s death was met with an outpouring of grief and tributes from his family, friends, co-workers, and fans.
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They remembered him as a passionate and talented journalist, a loving husband and father, a loyal friend, and a brave fighter.
His wife, Jessica Napolitano, posted a heartfelt message on social media, saying that he was “the best thing that ever happened” to her and their two children.
She said that he fought his disease with “grace, dignity, and humor”, and that he never gave up hope. She also thanked everyone who helped them through their difficult journey.
His boss, Jay Wallace, the president of Fox News Media, issued a statement praising Napolitano’s professionalism and dedication.
He said that he was “a valued member of our Fox News family”, who “brought joy and enthusiasm” to his work.
Wallace also said that he was “deeply saddened” by his loss and that he extended his condolences to his loved ones.
His co-hosts on “The Sports Reporters”, Jared Max and Dan Beyer, dedicated their latest episode to Napolitano’s memory.
They shared their favorite stories and moments with him and played some of his best clips. They said he was “a great friend” who “made them laugh daily”.
They said that they would miss him terribly, but that they would never forget him. Napolitano’s fans also expressed their sorrow and admiration for him on social media.
They said he was “a bright light” who “made sports more fun”. They said that he inspired them with his courage and positivity. They said that he was “gone too soon”, but that he would never be forgotten.
