The technical director of ITV Sport passed away while overseeing the network’s World Cup coverage in Qatar, the channel has reported.
Mark Pougatch, a sports presenter, announced Roger Pearce’s passing live on air. Pearce had been a member of ITV’s major sporting event team since the 1988 Olympics.
He said: “We have some very sad news to bring you from here in Qatar.
“Our technical director, Roger Pearce, who was here embarking on his eighth World Cup has sadly passed away.
“Roger and his team are the brilliant people who bring you the pictures into your homes and make it all happen.
“Roger was a hugely respected figure in the TV sports broadcasting industry, for ITV he has been instrumental in the logistical planning and delivery of rugby world cups as well as the football world cups as well as the Euros.
“He always had a smile on his face and left a smile on your faces.
“He was utterly dedicated, professional, charming, and hugely popular. He will be missed by so many people inside the industry and at home.”
A TV studio director friend named Neil Stainsby tweeted that Mr. Pearce will be retiring in five weeks.
He wrote: “So sad to hear of the passing of my friend and former colleague at ITV Meridian, Roger Pearce. He died on his last assignment in Qatar before retirement in 5 weeks’ time. RIP Roger.”
Before joining ITV network sport full-time in 2001 and rising to the position of technical director in 2008, Mr. Pearce began his career as an engineer at Grampian TV and later worked in other ITV areas like TVS and Meridian.
