MEAWW.COM / NEWS / HUMAN INTEREST

How did Drew Griffin die? Don Lemon cries live on air as he announces CNN reporter's death at 60

The anchor teared up as he recounted the career of his colleague of over a decade

ATLANTA, GEORGIA: CNN's award-winning senior investigative correspondent Drew Griffin died Saturday, December 17, at age 60 after a long battle with cancer. Griffin was with CNN for nearly two decades and received several awards for his groundbreaking journalism and fearless reporting. While speaking about the tragic news, CNN co-anchor Don Lemon broke down on national television as he talked about the veteran journalist who was one of the first people he met when he joined the network.

Lemon broke the news by saying, "We have some very sad news to tell you today. Our colleague and friend and longtime distinguished CNN journalist Drew Griffin has passed away. Drew was with the investigative unit of CNN based in Atlanta since 2004. His wide-ranging expertise included politics, sports, government, and corporate investigations. In 2015 he earned a https://meaww.com/mariana-atencio-journalist-award-winning-domestic-international-issues for his probe into delays at Veterans Affairs hospitals. He won three national Emmys for his reporting exposing corporate and congressional corruption." Lemon got teared up a little bit and continued, "We're going to honor him a little bit later on this hour. I'm sorry."

READ MORE

OPINION | Glenn Greenwald: How daring investigative journalist fell from grace to attack and harass the press

Jeff German: Las Vegas investigative journalist stabbed to death outside his home

Kaitlan Collins comforted 'This Morning' co-anchor, "I know this is tough for you. You said he was one of the first people you met at CNN. Drew was such a gifted storyteller. We'll have more for you next." CNN CEO Chris Licht said in a note to staff, "Drew’s death is a devastating loss to CNN and our entire profession. A highly acclaimed investigative journalist, Drew’s work had incredible impact and embodied the mission of this organization in every way." Tributes started pouring in for Griffin. 

People remember Drew Griffin 

Don Lemon took to his Twitter to remember his colleague and wrote, "We will miss you Drew. Such a good guy. An excellent journalist. An incredible loss. : January 27, 2012 CNN Center Atlanta #drewgriffin" CNN National Correspondent Gary Tuchman wrote, "Randi Kaye and I with our friend and colleague Drew Griffin. An excellent reporter with utmost integrity, and a wonderful human being and family man. May he Rest in Peace. We can only hope to follow his example as a journalist and person. #drewgriffin"

Poppy Harlow, Co-anchor of CNN 'ThisMorning' tweeted, "We lost a beloved colleague. Drew Griffin embodied everything that makes a journalist great. He was tenacious, curious, honest, dedicated and kind. He was admired by all of us @cnn. To his wife Margot and their 3 children I am so sorry for your loss. We will always remember him." Senior National Correspondent Ed Lavandera wrote, "Heartbroken doesn’t capture it. @DrewGriffinCNN is the best. Smart, relentless and dedicated to journalism. Always one of the first to send a note praising a story I had done. A fellow field reporting soldier who I will miss deeply."

One user remembered Griffin and wrote, "My deepest condolences/sympathy to Drew Griffin's family and the CNN family. I always loved listening to his investigative reporting. He will be truly missed, and we have lost an amazing person. RIP Drew." Another user tweeted, "Prayers to the family of CNN journalist Drew Griffin who has passed away at the young age of 60; may his memory be a blessing"

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online