Fans Mourn Lakers Announcer

As word of the gravity of Chick Hearn’s condition spread, dozens of fans came to Northridge Hospital Medical Center, carrying signs and holding flowers. When his death was announced outside the hospital last night, many broke down in tears. Pam Stone, who had met Chick while he was recovering from hip surgery, says, “This is just a really big loss.” She says she lost her brother and this “feels the same.” Grace Cavada came to the hospital from her Northridge home. She and other family members brought some handmade signs that said, “Chick, we love you.” Fan Carol Weissberg says, “It was clear that he loved to do what he did. You could feel the passion he felt for the team. It was clear he loved the fans, too. There are just some people you think will never go.” Hearn was hospitalized Friday after falling at his Encino home and hitting the back of his head. He was 85.