Monday night at the conclusion of Sportsnet Central, popular anchor Michael Jenkins revealed why he’s been absent lately. Jenkins’ younger brother Marquis Martin passed away on November 15 at the age of 33. Marquis and his wife Cameron had their first child in May.

In a heartfelt tribute, Jenkins choked back tears as he spoke glowingly about his younger brother.

“He was just the kindest and sweetest soul you can imagine,” Jenkins said. “He went to Texas like I did. He had a fantastic sense of humor. I, honest to God, never heard him say a bad word about anyone. I wish I could say I was as admirable in my own life.”

Jenkins also gave this powerful advice.

“So, as trite as it may sound, never hesitate at any opportunity you have to tell someone how much you love them,” Jenkins said. “And that is a message that is infinitely more important than any commentary or opinion I could ever express during the show.”

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Our @JenksCSN closed out Monday night's show with this heartfelt tribute to his brother, who passed away last week. pic.twitter.com/IsrJ1Wznh3

— CSN Mid-Atlantic (@CSNMA) November 29, 2016

Finally tonight, you know one of the strange things about working in television is that you strive to be as genuine and relatable as possible, but you can only do that so much because you have a job to do. I say that because a week and a half ago, my youngest brother Marquis suddenly passed away which is why I’ve been gone for the past couple of weeks. During that time, a number of you have reached out to me on social media to express your condolences. I want to tell all of you I am beyond grateful for that, truly.

Marquis was 33. He was just the kindest and sweetest soul you can imagine. He went to Texas like I did. He had a fantastic sense of humor. I, honest to God, never heard him say a bad word about anyone. I wish I could say I was as admirable in my own life. He was head over heels for his wife, Cameron, she is a jewel. He leaves behind a six-month old baby boy who looks just like him and who is just the happiest baby you’ve ever seen.

I am not unlike many of you who have suffered similar losses in your own lives, I don’t pretend to be unique in that respect. I am just fortunate enough that I have a platform to express how very much he meant to me and he meant the world. So, as trite as it may sound, never hesitate at any opportunity you have to tell someone how much you love them. And that is a message that is infinitely more important than any commentary or opinion I could ever express during the show. Thanks again to all of you, which includes my wonderful family here at CSN.

Marquis, I love you. I miss you so very much. And good night.

On behalf of everyone at RMNB, I would like to extend our condolences to Michael and the rest of the Jenkins’ family during this difficult time. It takes an unbelievable amount of courage and strength to share such profoundly heartbreaking news. Michael is an important part of our Capitals’ family and experience. We all share in his loss.