Drew Griffin has died at the age of 60 (Picture: Getty)
CNN correspondent Drew Griffin has died aged 60.
The investigative reporter died on Saturday following a long battle with cancer, his family confirmed.
Chris Licht, CNN CEO, shared a heartbreaking tribute to the late journalist in a memo to staff on Monday, praising his work ethic and passion for his job.
‘Drew’s death is a devastating loss to CNN and our entire profession,’ it read, via the Hollywood Reporter. ‘A highly acclaimed investigative journalist, Drew’s work had incredible impact and embodied the mission of this organization in every way.
‘He cared about seeking the truth and holding the powerful to account. He was hard-hitting, but always fair.’
‘His work ethic was unparalleled,’ he added. ‘He spent long hours poring over documents and working the phones.
The reporter joined the network in 2004 (Picture: CNN)
Since then he has gone on to win four Emmy Awards and a Peabody (Picture: CNN)
‘Even as he battled cancer, he refused to give up on the reporting that was so important to him and was even working on an investigation until the day he passed away.’
Anchor Don Lemon broke down in tears live on air while announcing his death this morning, and described Griffin as ‘our colleague and friend, and longtime distinguished CNN journalist’.
‘I’m sorry,’ he said, while wiping away tears, before regaining his composure.
Viewers rushed to pay their condolences to the reporter and his family on social media, following the news.
Don broke down in tears over the loss (Picture: CNN)
‘Boy what a huge loss. RIP Drew Griffin #news,’ one commented.
Another agreed: ‘Always learned something from Drew Griffin’s work. God bless him and his family.’
‘This is such terribly sad news,’ a Twitter user posted. ‘I have admired Drew Griffin’s reporting for many years and will miss his voice and his journalism.’
‘Total shock. A classy guy who made a real difference,’ a follower said.
‘I don’t think I’ve ever watched @CNN without hearing his voice. He will be missed. @DrewGriffinCNN #DrewGriffin #RIP,’ a fan added.
Chicago native Griffin began his journalism career in Illinois, working as a reporter and cameraman for WICD-TV, before transferring between TV stations across the US.
He made the move over to LA in 1994, as an anchor for CBS 2 News – before joining CNN as a correspondent a decade later, based in Atlanta.
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In this time, he worked on some of the biggest stories in the world, including Hurricane Katrina and the January 6 Capitol riot.
Throughout his impressive career, he won a string of awards for his various investigations, taking home a Peabody Award in 2015, and four Emmys.
Griffin is survived by wife Margot, their three children – Ele, Louis and Miles, and two grandchildren.
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Heartbreaking.
