OKLAHOMA CITY — Oklahoma has lost a sports broadcast news icon.

KFOR Sports Director Bob Barry Jr. died Saturday afternoon after a motorcycle wreck in Oklahoma City, according to reports. He was 58. 

The news channel announced his death via Twitter.

“It is with deep sadness that we mourn the loss of our friend and (colleague) Bob Barry, Jr.,” the news station tweeted.

KFOR reported Barry Jr. died on the way to the hospital. 

“According to the fatality accident supervisor, a car was driving southbound on N. May Avenue, and after making a U-turn in front of Barry’s motorcycle, the two collided. The driver of the car was arrested for a complaint of driving without a license,” according to media report.

Barry joined NewsChannel 4 in 1982 as a weekend sports anchor. Prior to that, Barry worked in Wichita Falls, Texas and at KAUT-TV in Oklahoma City.

Affectionately known as “Junior,” Barry hosted a popular sports talk radio show on WWLS “The Sports Animal” on weekday mornings.

Whether he was covering the University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University or the Oklahoma City Thunder, Barry Jr. was fixture in the local sports scene.

“The Thunder is saddened to hear of the death of Bob Barry Jr.” Thunder Chairman Clayton I. Bennett said in a statement. “For decades Bob covered sports with integrity, dedication and passion. We send our thoughts and prayers to the Barry family, his TV and radio colleagues, and all who knew and loved him. Oklahoma sports broadcasting has lost one of its finest.”

Barry was Norman native. He graduated from Norman High School in 1975 and graduated from the University of Oklahoma School of Journalism in 1980. He met with former NHS classmates Saturday during a class reunion. His best friend was Edmond lawyer Bob Naifeh. 

He was the son of Bob Barry Sr., who was the voice of Oklahoma football before his passing several years ago. 

Barry is survived by his wife Gina and four children.

“Bob loved his family, and he loved Oklahoma,” KFOR News Director Carlton Houston said of Barry Jr. “We would just ask that everyone say a prayer for his wife Gina and his family at this difficult time.”

Following the accident, University of Oklahoma President David L. Boren issued a statement about Barry.

“The entire OU family was deeply saddened to learn of the tragic death of Bob Barry, Jr. He was a great supporter of the University and he had a special place in the hearts of all Sooners,” Boren said.

Barry was a six time “Oklahoma Sportscaster of the Year” who was contributed to various philanthropic endeavors. Through his charity, “The Foul Shots,” Barry helped raise more than $1 million for various charities across the state of Oklahoma.