TAMPA, Fla — Longtime Pewter Report writer and Buccaneers fan Mark Cook has died, his significant other and 10 Tampa Bay photojournalist, Daisey Charlotte, announced Thursday. He was 50.
"Thank you all so much for all your prayers. They mean so much. Unfortunately @MarkCook1970 passed away this morning. He was so good with words, I would love to write something lovely for him but I just don’t have the words right now. I am completely heartbroken and in shock," she posted on Twitter.
Cook, who for years was the vice president of editorial content, first started writing for the Pewter Report in 2011, according to his bio. He's also been a huge fan of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers since 1977. That's when "he first began watching football with his Dad," his bio adds.
The sports outlet posted a tribute to Cook saying, the staff and alumni are both saddened and devastated over his passing.
"He was a GREAT friend & one helluva Pewter Reporter. He LOVED the #Bucs! We're beyond sad for his family, friends, PR readers & Bucs fans. WE LOVE YOU, COOKIE. RIP"
Buccaneers' general manager Jason Licht sent his prayers to Cook's loved ones and shared he'd be missed by all in the organization.
"Prayers are with the Cook family and all his loved ones. Mark, you were GREAT man and were always a pure joy to be around. You will be sorely missed by all of us," Licht wrote.
Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Gerald McCoy also offered his condolences on Twitter, calling Cook "one of the real genuine guys."
"Man I hate to hear news like today. Us as athletes have our reservations with growing relationships with the media but @MarkCook1970 was one of the real genuine guys in this crazy business. Hate hearing about his passing. Sending love and prayers to his family," McCoy wrote.
The team Cook grew up loving and spent years reporting on joined the list of those sharing their heartbreak over his passing.
In a tweet, the Buccaneers released the following statement:
"We are shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Mark Cook. He was a fixture at our team facility and Raymond James Stadium for more than a decade, providing quality coverage and valuable insight about our football team. He had a special connection with Buccaneers fans and an incredible knowledge and appreciation of our franchise's history. Mark was especially proud of his son, Douglas, and was always eager to share stories about him around the Buccaneers' locker room. Our players, coaches and entire staff will miss him dearly. We extend our deepest sympathies to Douglas and all of Mark's family and friends."