Commentator Pete Axthelm Dies of Liver Failure

Pete Axthelm, an ESPN commentator, died Saturday at a Pittsburgh hospital of liver failure. He was 47.

Axthelm entered Presbyterian-University Hospital on Jan. 27 and was in the hospital’s intensive-care unit awaiting a liver transplant, hospital spokesman Frank Raczkiewicz said.

Axthelm, who joined ESPN in 1987 as an NFL prognosticator and horse racing reporter, was part of NBC’s NFL coverage team from 1980 until 1985.

Axthelm, a 1965 graduate of Yale University, worked at Newsweek magazine from 1968 until 1988.

Axthelm, who lived in New York and Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., is survived by his wife, Andrea, and daughter, Megan.