Leah Siegel, ESPN producer, mother of three and three-time Emmy award winner, died at 43 early Monday in Dallas after a courageous, two-year battle with breast cancer.

Siegel was a pioneer in the field of sports television. She was one of the first women to become a full-time field producer at ESPN.

Her husband, Eric Loehr, told readers of her blog, at 10:29 a.m. CDT, that she passed away at about 4:30 a.m. He noted, "Thank you to everyone. The support over the last couple of years has been amazing. As Leah has enriched many people's lives, I believe that her life was equally enriched."

She was resting peacefully the past few days in hospice care.

Siegel not only paved the way for women in the field of sports, but she inspired thousands throughout her battle with breast cancer.

Shortly after giving birth to her third child, Oliver, in August 2008, Siegel was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. Later that fall, she made her story public and it was chronicled in a front-page feature in The Dallas Morning News. It inspired thousands and she received numerous visits to her webpage.



Siegel was also instrumental in raising awareness about breast cancer and furthering the need for research. She inspired her local community in the Lakewood area of Dallas to participate in the annual Komen Dallas Race for the Cure. Siegel's group was one the highest fund-raising teams.

Siegel and her husband, Eric, had three children: Teagan, 5; Wyatt, 3; and Oliver, 23 months.

She began her career at WRC-TV in Washington, D.C., where she grew up.

She attended Maret High School and graduated from the University of Maryland.

Her blog lists two services. You can read more about their details and Siegel's inspiring story at her website: Leah Siegel Journal.