Michael Thompson was a Fox Sports employee who had been covering NASCAR for more than 15 years. He was the supervising producer and creative director of NASCAR productions, responsible for delivering quality content to the fans of the sport. He passed away at the age of 42 on April 30, 2023, after a three-year fight with terminal cancer. His death has left a deep impact on the NASCAR community, who have paid tribute to his kindness, positivity, and humor.
A Passionate Storyteller and a Kind Soul
Michael Thompson started his career at Fox Sports in 2003, working on various sports broadcasts such as NFL, MLB, NFL Europe, and NASCAR. He joined NASCAR productions in 2005 and became the supervising producer and creative director. He was known for his impeccable storytelling skills and his ability to enhance the coverage of the sport with his creativity and vision.
According to Sportskeeda, Thompson’s colleagues at Fox Sports described him as a man with a profound sense of kindness and a positive attitude. He was always supportive of his team and made everyone feel valued and appreciated. He also had a great sense of humor, which he maintained even during his prolonged battle with cancer.
Thompson was also a loving husband and father of three children: Hunter, Sophie, and Dylan. He is survived by his wife Michelle, who stood by his side throughout his ordeal. A GoFundMe page was set up to help the family with the medical expenses and other needs.
Tributes from the NASCAR Community
The NASCAR community has expressed its sorrow and condolences over the loss of Michael Thompson. NASCAR on Fox released a video statement on social media to honor his memory and his contribution to the sport. The statement said:
“We do have some sad news to share for you guys. It is with deep sadness that the Fox Sports and NASCAR family has learned the passing of our beloved Mike Thompson.
Mike started with the production team at Fox Sports in 2003, contributing to our coverage of the NFL, Major League Bat Baseball, NASCAR, NFL Europe and countless other broadcasts. Before joining NASCAR productions in 2005.
An impeccable storyteller, Mike served as the supervising producer and creative director of NASCAR productions. His work has been seen by countless fans and deeply enhanced the coverage of the sport we all love.
He will be remembered for his profound sense of kindness and positive attitude, it was simply impossible to have a bad day working alongside Mike. Our love, thoughts, and prayers, of course, remain with his wife Michelle and children Hunter, Sophie, and Dylan. Michael Thompson was 42 years old.”
Many NASCAR drivers, teams, officials, and personalities also took to social media to share their memories and condolences for Thompson. Some of them are:
- Kenny Wallace: “So darn sad… I loved Michael Thompson… He was so kind to me… RIP my friend.”
- Jamie Little: “Michael Thompson was one of those people that made you feel good when you were around him. Always smiling & laughing even when he was fighting cancer these last few years. He was an amazing producer & friend to so many @NASCARONFOX RIP Mike.”
- Steve O’Donnell: “Heartbroken for Michael’s family & friends-He was one of those people who always made you smile & laugh no matter what he was going through-He will be missed by so many.”
- Jeff Gordon: “So sad to hear about Michael Thompson passing away today after a long battle with cancer. He was such a talented producer & creative director @NASCARONFOX but more importantly he was a great person who always had a smile on his face & made everyone around him feel good.”
Michael Thompson has left a mark on the NASCAR community through his work and his personality. He will be dearly missed by everyone who knew him and loved him. Rest in peace, Mike.
