ESPN Broadcaster Chris Berman's Wife Dies in Car Crash

The president of the network said the death is a "devastating tragedy and difficult to comprehend" and pledged to give Berman "the love and support he will surely need in this hour."

The wife of longtime ESPN broadcaster Chris Berman has died in a traffic crash in Connecticut.

State police say 67-year-old Katherine Ann Berman was one of two victims in the two-vehicle crash at about 2:15 p.m. Tuesday in Woodbury. The other victim was 87-year-old Edward Bertulis of Waterbury.

Chris and Katherine Berman, now residents of Cheshire, Conn., were married in 1983 and had two children, Meredith and Doug. Katherine was a schoolteacher before they wed.

"This is a devastating tragedy and difficult to comprehend," John Skipper, president of ESPN, said in a statement. "Chris is beloved by all his ESPN colleagues and for good reason: He has a huge heart and has given so much to so many over the years. We know how much his family means to him and all we can do at a moment like this is give him the love and support he will surely need at this hour. Our thoughts and prayers are with Chris, Meredith, Doug and the entire family."

Police say Kathy Berman's car struck the rear of Bertulis' SUV and both veered off the road. Berman's car went down an embankment and overturned in a body of water.

Bertulis' vehicle struck a utility pole and landed on its roof.

Chris Berman joined ESPN at age 24 in 1979, a month after the sports network launched. The colorful host of such shows as Monday Night Countdown and NFL Primetime had his on-air role was recently reduced, but he has signed a new contract that has him in an "emeritus"-type role.