Chris Ober, FOX Sports Teammate to Remember, Loses Long Cancer Battle at 46

Christoffer Aaron Chris Ober, a longtime and beloved member of FOX Sports' remote production crews who worked on many of the network's biggest events, died peacefully on Oct. 1, following a long illness with brain cancer. He was 46. Known simply as Ober, he was a familiar presence at World Series, MLB All-Star Games, Daytona 500s, and major football broadcasts, trusted by colleagues on both sides of the camera.

Chris was my first runner in NASCAR, says Francisco Contreras, FOX Sports executive director of operations. He worked hard, took the job seriously and was a really kind guy. He was someone I always wanted on my crew.

Chris Ober of FOX Sports died at the age of 46 after a long battle with cancer. Some of his happiest times were working with FOX Sports, adds his sister, Erika Livermont.

Born on March 18, 1980, in Albany, GA, to Russell and Brenda Ober, Chris grew up in nearby Dawson. He graduated from Valdosta State University with a degree in mass media and, while attending college, interned on Georgia Lawmakers, a nightly show on public television that covered the Georgia state legislature.

Chris gave handmade Ober keychains to colleagues throughout the FOX crew. Many still proudly carry or keep these reminders of their friend.

In a 2023 profile published by the Southeastern Brain Tumor Foundation, Chris recalled helping arrange an on-air birthday surprise for FOX MLB lead analyst Tim McCarver during the 2013 MLB playoffs. In an unfamiliar city, with less than 24 hours to make it happen, he secured a cake decorated with a baseball diamond and accompanied by 72 candles.

I love taking care of the people, Chris said.

In 2015, Ober's recurring appearances with an iPad during the American League Division Series (MLB iPad Guy video - October 23, 2015) and Championship Series turned him into an online curiosity. Viewers recognized him from one ballpark to the next and wondered who he was and whether it was a promotion.

SB Nation chronicled the mystery, and MLB published a video featuring the iPad Guy during Game 6 of the ALCS. His appearances were part of a marketing campaign.

Dan Frank, a FOX Sports stage manager and close friend, remembers Chris bringing the runners together for outings to NASA in Houston and the Original Chick-fil-A in Hapeville, GA. Chris made the most out of every day, Frank says. We could never replace our Head Runner.'

Outside television, Chris enjoyed organizing camping trips with friends and playing board games.

Chris Ober with FOX MLB broadcasters (back row, from left) Joe Davis, Tom Verducci, and Ken Rosenthal.Faith was among the things Chris relied on through his illness. Asked how he faced recurrence and treatment, he credited humor, positive thoughts/thinking, and faith, saying they played a big part in everything.

Later in his illness, while Chris was in assisted living, his close friend Josh Weingrad, a FOX Sports graphics operator, took him to Braves games whenever he could. Even when following every play was difficult, he loved the atmosphere: the sound of the crowd, the game unfolding in front of him, the sunshine, and the wind in his hair.

FOX Sports CEO Eric Shanks was among the first to donate to a GoFundMe campaign that drew more than 400 donations, raising nearly $150,000 for Chris's rehabilitation. The SVG Sports Broadcasting Fund also contributed, helping him work toward regaining strength and mobility. Production Manager Kellie Wagner organized visits and quick lunches with Ober when her NFL or NASCAR crew was in town.

Each year following his diagnosis, colleagues honored Chris during baseball's Stand Up To Cancer tributes.

In 2025, Ober returned to the FOX baseball crew for one final appearance at the MLB All-Star Game in Atlanta. He was surrounded by old friends, including Joe Davis, John Smoltz, Ken Rosenthal, and Tom Verducci.

At the 2026 Sports Emmy Awards, FOX Sports Producer Pete Macheska dedicated the network's Emmy for Outstanding Live Special - Championship Event to Ober. Macheska then sent the statuette to Chris, who kept it in his room at his assisted-living community near Atlanta.

Chris Ober was a social-media sensation for being on-air using an iPad during the 2015 ALCS on FOX Sports. Chris Ober was a proper gentleman who loved what he did and cared deeply for those he worked with, says Lou D'Ermilio, FOX Sports technical manager.

Josh Weingrad, Fox Sports, Graphics Operator with Chris Ober during one of Fox's Stand Up To Cancer on-air promotions. Chris embodied the best of FOX and its people: passionate, caring, engaged, and, above all, kind, says Michael Davies, FOX Sports EVP, technical and field operations. He showed the simple humanity of someone who wanted to belong to a team and take care of its people.

Chris is survived by his sister, Erika, and her husband, James Livermont; his niece, Emmaline Livermont; and his nephew, Aidan Livermont.

A memorial service will be held on Oct. 17 at 3 p.m. at Faith Presbyterian Church in McDonough, GA.

At his family's request, donations in Chris's memory may be made to the Brain Tumor Fund through Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University.

LINK:	https://www.sportsvideo.org/2026/10/09/chris-ober-fox-sports-teammate-...
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