by Veteran investigative journalist Drew Griffin has died after a long battle with cancer, his employer, CNN, confirmed Monday. He was 60 years old.
The news broadcast outlet quoted Griffin’s family and did not elaborate on his cancer diagnosis. During her illustrious career, Griffin received Emmy, Murrow and Peabody Awards for his journalism, which spanned politics, sports, business and health care.
In a Monday note to staff, CNN President and CEO Chris Licht called Griffin’s death “a devastating loss to CNN and our entire profession,” while praising the late reporter’s “ability to achieve that even the most hostile interviewees would come clean”.
“Drew’s work had an incredible impact and embodied the mission of this organization in every way,” Licht said. “He cared about seeking the truth and holding the powerful accountable. He was forceful, but always fair.
For nearly 20 years, Griffin contributed to hundreds of reports and several documentaries as part of CNN’s investigative team. Before joining CNN in 2004, Griffin began his journalism career as a reporter and cameraman for WICD-TV in his home state of Illinois. He has also worked for television stations in Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina and Washington, as well as CBS2 News in Los Angeles.
Several of Griffin’s CNN colleagues paid tribute to him Monday on social media. Don Lemon of “CNN This Morning” broke down in tears while reporting Griffin’s death live with co-anchor Kaitlan Collins, who praised his late co-worker as “a talented storyteller.”
“Drew Griffin embodied everything that makes a journalist great,” “CNN This Morning” co-host Poppy Harlow tweeted. “He was tenacious, curious, honest, dedicated and kind. He was admired by all of us @cnn.”
“Wow, this is devastating,” CNN correspondent Omar Jimenez tweeted. “Every time Drew Griffin wrote a story, I knew I had to turn up the volume. …May he rest in peace.”
“#DrewGriffin was well loved because in addition to being a stellar journalist, he was a great human being,” CNN entertainment reporter Lisa Respers France tweeted. “Many of us are devastated by the loss of him. He loves your people today in recognition of how fleeting life can be.”
Griffin is survived by his wife, Margot, and their three children. See more tributes to the revered newscaster below.
