Lakers broadcaster Chick Hearn dies at 85

By
<br>Associated Press
January 7, 2006, 5:24 AM ET
1 min read

— -- LOS ANGELES -- Play-by-play announcer Chick Hearn, who madephrases like "slam dunk" and "air ball" common basketballexpressions during his 42-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers,died Monday. He was 85.

"Chick Hearn passed away at 6:30 this evening," Los AngelesLakers spokesman Bob Steiner told a hushed news conference outsideNorthridge Medical Center Hospital, where Hearn was taken Fridaynight after suffering a fall.

Hearn fell Friday in the back yard of the Encino home he sharedwith wife, Marge. The two would have celebrated their 64th weddinganniversary on Aug. 13.

Surgeons operated twice Saturday to relieve swelling in hisbrain, but he never regained consciousness.