Don Chiodo, beloved Central Michigan play-by-play broadcaster, dies in car crash

Central Michigan University lost the beloved voice of its athletic department Wednesday when play-by-play broadcaster Don Chiodo was killed in a car crash.

The Central Michigan alum spent many years as the school's announcer and was known as the "voice" of the Chippewas. He died in a two-vehicle crash west of Saginaw, Michigan. 

Chiodo, 54, had spent 10 years with the Chippewa Sports Network as the play-by-play broadcaster for the school's football and men's basketball. He also worked as a financial advisor for the past 15 years and served on the Mt. Pleasant Board of Education. He graduated from Central Michigan in 1990.

Central Michigan Life, the school's student newspaper, reports Chiodo was traveling east Wednesday on M-46 when his vehicle crossed the center line, colliding with the truck. Police said the crash remains under investigation, though they do not believe speed or alcohol were factors. The driver of the truck was treated and released from the hospital, Central Michigan Life reported.

The news comes as Central Michigan football prepares to face Miami (Ohio) in the Mid-American Conference championship game Saturday at Ford Field, just one season after finishing 1-11. It's the Chippewas' first MAC championship appearance since 2009.

"This is a very sad day for myself and for a great number of people connected to CMU," men's basketball coach Keno Davis said in a statement. "We miss him greatly and our thoughts and prayers go out to his family."

Central Michigan University President Bob Davies shared his thoughts on Twitter: "He was an honorable man and I have enjoyed getting to know. He was generous, compassionate and a faithful friend to many. He welcomed all into his circle. He will be remembered and missed."

Chiodo served as a basketball pregame and halftime show host from 1996-99 and later in 2009. He was also a broadcaster for the Michigan Talk Radio Network, WNEM-TV, WTCM Radio, WPBN-TV and WCEN Radio over the years.

Chiodo is well known for predicting the Chippewas to win the MAC football championship every year in the preseason media poll; he did so again this fall despite CMU's 1-11 finish last year. And they're one win away from proving him right.

On Wednesday night, Central Michigan fans across Twitter began adding a "(1)" to their profile names because he always gave the Chippewas a first-place vote.

Follow Bisma Parvez on Twitter @bismapar.