Former Fox News commentator Alan Colmes has died

Alan Colmes has died at the age of 66.Fox News/Twitter 

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Alan Colmes, best known for years as the seemingly lone liberal voice on Fox News, has died. He was 66.

Fox News anchor Bill Hemmer made the announcement on the air Thursday morning. A statement from Colmes' family said he died after a brief illness.

He leaves behind his wife, Jocelyn.

"He was a great guy, brilliant, hysterical, and moral. He was fiercely loyal, and the only thing he loved more than his work was his life with Jocelyn," the statement said.

Colmes spent 13 years sparring with conservative commentator Sean Hannity on the nightly debate show "Hannity & Colmes." Debuting in 1996, it became one of Fox News' signature primetime shows during the network's formative years.

In a tribute that aired after the announcement, Hannity called his former co-host "one of life's most decent, kind and wonderful people you'd ever want to meet."

Hannity said despite their major political differences, the two formed a deep friendship. "I'm truly heartbroken at the loss of a dear friend," he said in statement.

After leaving their show in 2008, Colmes stayed on at Fox News as a contributor and frequent guest on programs such as "The O'Reilly Factor." He also continued to host "The Alan Colmes Show" on Fox News Radio.

Colmes' death is the second loss suffered by Fox News this week. "Bulls and Bears" host and senior business correspondent Brenda Buttner died of cancer at age 55 on Monday.

Fox News Channel's Alan Colmes Dies at Age 66 https://t.co/H56dUV9elS pic.twitter.com/uaRSNsLNGG

-- Fox News (@FoxNews) February 23, 2017

pic.twitter.com/9q3A2MAtgh

-- Sean Hannity (@seanhannity) February 23, 2017

So sad to hear of the death of Fox News colleague Alan Colmes. He and I agreed on little, but I liked him immensely. Good guy. R.I.P.

-- Brit Hume (@brithume) February 23, 2017

Heartbroken my friend Alan Colmes has died. He lit up the FNC halls w/his kindness & humor. Incredibly positive force. Prayers 4 his family.

-- Megyn Kelly (@megynkelly) February 23, 2017

Just heard of death of Alan Colmes; the kind of liberal I loved-smart, witty, and fair; never backed up, but always backed up his views. RIP

-- Gov. Mike Huckabee (@GovMikeHuckabee) February 23, 2017

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