Former Lynbrook resident, Fox News host Alan Colmes dies at 66

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Former Lynbrook resident and political commentator Alan Colmes died Thursday after battling a brief illness. He was 66.

Colmes was an author, radio host and television personality. He was perhaps best known for his role as a political commentator on the Fox News show "Hannity & Colmes," which he co-hosted with Sean Hannity. The show ran from 1996 to 2008, when Colmes decided to step down.

Hannity took to Twitter on Thursday to offer a brief statement about his former on-screen partner.

"Alan was a dear friend," he wrote. "I miss him dearly. Please pray for my friend and his family!" Hannity also tweeted out a photo of the two together during the days of their show.

After his partnership with Hannity ended, Colmes appeared on various Fox News programs as a panelist offering his insight on political stories and current events.

Colmes, a graduate of Hofstra University, was also the author of two books, "Red, White & Liberal: How Left Is Right and Right Is Wrong," and "Thank the Liberals for Saving America."

He is survived by his wife, Jocelyn Elise Crowley. She is the sister of Monica Crowley, a fellow Fox News contributor, who worked on and off with the affiliate from 1996 to 2016.

Monica Crowley released a statement about Alan's death on her Facebook page.

"I am heartbroken at the loss of my sweet brother-in-law Alan Colmes," she wrote. "He passed away this morning after a brief illness, which he fought with extraordinary courage, strength and grace. Alan was a true gentleman in every sense of the word. He took his beliefs and work seriously and at the same time lived his life full of joy, laughter and commitment.

“He loved what he did for a living, and he loved those around him without condition. During the most heated political debates, his infectious sense of humor would come through, and before you knew it, even his staunchest political opponents were smiling. He was incredibly kind, generous and warm — and completely devoted to my sister and our family. He was a gentle soul and a good man. He was my friend. And I will miss him every day.”