Doug Sellars, the executive vice-president of Fox Sports in LA and former executive of CBC sports, died on Friday after an apparent heart attack. He was 50.

The Canadian sports personality worked as an executive producer for CBC's Hockey Night, before taking over as vice president at Fox Sports Media Group in 2011.

Doug was a great mentor to a lot of people, and a great boss to have, said Joel Darling, now the director of sports partnerships for CBC Sports, who worked with Sellars for a decade.

Most [who worked with him] would consider him a really good friend, and in a lot of businesses that's hard to find. He was so well liked and respected, he told CBC news.

Sellars started his career at CBC in 1985 after graduating from The Ryerson University. In 1989 he was promoted to the head of sports production and played a role in several Olympic Games and Commonwealth Games presentations, CBC reported.

Here's how his fans reacted to his death on Twitter:

LarryMac28 Larry mcreynolds

Our thoughts and prayers go out for sure to Doug Sellars' family of FOX sports who passed away! He truly will be missed! A great guy!

WendyVenturini Wendy Venturini

So sad to hear about the passing of Doug Sellars frm Fox Sports, made a huge impact on @speed 4 us. @RaceDayOnSPEED will forever miss him!

FOXSportsLouD Lou D'Ermilio

FOX Sports mourns passing of EVP, Prod. & EP, Doug Sellars. He passed away Friday after recent heart attack. Video:tinyurl.com/88c9hnb

JohnKeatingFSD John Keating

Fox Sports Detroit probably doesn't thrive without the guidance and back pats of Doug Sellars, who tragically passed on Fri. #justagoodhuman

ScottOake Scott Oake

Heartbroken over the passing of Doug Sellars. Had the privilege of working for him at CBC Sports. He was a friend and mentor.

FriedgeHNIC Elliotte Friedman

Sports TV lost a giant yesterday -- Doug Sellars. Many of my colleagues working with a heavy heart. So sorry for his family & friends.

JSportsnet John Shannon

Sellars was the consummate pro. Since moving to FOX, Dougwas a great advocate for the NHL. Doug didn't just makes stars, HE was a Star!

Twitter Commonwealth Games Twitter Commonwealth Games