Howie Schwab dead at 63: Dick Vitale announces passing of the star of hit trivia show 'Stump the Schwab' and longtime ESPN personality after 'various health issues'

Longtime ESPN personality and researcher Howie Schwab has died of 'various health issues,' according to friend Dick Vitale.

He was 63 years old.

Schwab rose to fame at the network behind his hit trivia show 'Stump the Schwab,' in which three contestants would try to best his encyclopedic knowledge of sports.

The show ran for 80 episodes from 2004-6.

'OMG -just [received] word that my buddy for several decades who helped me so much in my career @howieschwab passed this morning,' Vitale, the legendary college basketball broadcaster, wrote on X. 'Just received the news from his loving wife Suzie. May he RIP!'

Howie Schwab is seen at an ESPN The Magazine Pre-Draft Party in New York in 2013

Schwab is seen during the season 2 championship of 'Stump the Schwab' on ESPN2

He added in another post that Schwab, a native of Baldwin, New York, had recently visited his home and was 'feeling good' when he was there.

ESPN also confirmed Schwab's death, citing an update from his family. 

Schwab first joined ESPN in 1987, and also worked as a coordinating producer for the network on 'SportsCenter' and 'Outside the Lines.'

He had been active on social media as recently as Wednesday, as he tweeted about the Heat-Sixers play-in tournament game. 

And Bill Krackomberger, a professional sports bettor and sports betting host, said on Saturday morning that he had received a text from Schwab just five hours prior.

'This was the most kind, compassionate and giving man I knew,' he said. 'I was planning to spend time with him at his home in June. God bless my buddy.'

Longtime ESPN host Jonathan Coachman also relayed the news that Schwab had died.

Schwab developed a fanbase for his success on 'Stump the Schwab' - where he rarely losy

'Good morning everyone. It is with tremendous sadness that I need to relay the news that Howie Schwab has died,' he wrote on X. 'He was a beloved friend and recently what a big part of our @DrivingTheLinefamily. 

'We are absolutely gutted this morning as we spoke on Thursday and in true Howie fashion as he was being rushed to the hospital he was worried about ALL OF YOU and not getting you the plays from him. This man loved sports and my goodness was he a good man. #RIP to our friend Howie Schwab.'

ESPN college basketball analyst Fran Fraschilla also added, 'So sad to hear of Howie Schwab’s passing this morning. I talked to him twice this past week & knew he was struggling physically. As kind a soul as you will ever meet. And, a ESPN Hall of Famer. RIP “Stump The Schwab.”

Schwab speaks at the ESPY Golf Pairings Party at Saddle Ranch on July 9, 2007 

Schwab was a 1982 graduate of St. John's University, and a self-described 'proud alum' of the school. 

The official St. John's men's basketball X account said, 'Going to miss those “Go SJU” tweets. Rest in Peace, @howieschwab. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.'

As part of the company's mass layoffs in 2013, Schwab was released from his role at ESPN, later going on to work for Fox Sports and as a a consultant and writer for 'Sports Jeopardy.'