Rod Simons, a Twin Cities broadcast journalist and former sports anchor at KSTP television, died Monday in Fort Myers, Fla., where he was covering Twins spring training. He was 56.
The cause of death was not immediately known.
"Sad day in Fort Myers," Twins President Dave St. Peter said on Twitter. "RIP Rod. God bless your family. You were ALWAYS a positive light in an often negative world. Definition of class."
Twins second baseman Brian Dozier tweeted, "Just hearing about the passing of Rod Simons this morning down here at spring training. A great man with an amazing heart."
Twins pitcher Glen Perkins tweeted: "I've known Rod Simons since he came to my parents house on draft day in 2004. He was a great man. Rest in Peace my friend."
Simons, owner of Rod Simons Media Communications, ran Game On! TV, which featured freelance television reporting and was a contributor to the Twins broadcasting station, 96.3-FM.
He was a sports anchor for KSTP from 2003-08 after working for television stations in Seattle and Portland, Ore. He was active with the Gift Of Adoption fundraisers and golf tournaments.
Simons is survived by his wife, Pam, and daughter, Annie.
Pam Simons tweeted: "Fly on angel's wings my love. I will carry on each day to make you proud and honor the amazing man & father you are."
