As news of Simons' death spread, online tributes came from his co-workers and competitors. KOMO anchor Eric Johnson called him "one of the truly fine men of my profession," and a damned good sportscaster who was always smiling. KING reporter Chris Daniels described him as a personal mentor and a longtime friend "with contagious positivity." Former Seattle Times photographer Rod Mar, who now works for the Seahawks, recalled Simons' smile too -- one you'd get "whether you'd seen him last week or 10 years ago."