Tim Russert, Dead at 58
Tim Russert, the lion of political pundits, collapsed and died this afternoon at NBC’s Washington bureau, Tom Brokaw reported today on MSNBC.
The 58-year-old moderator of NBC’s “Meet the Press” apparently had a heart attack.
“This news division will not be the same without his strong, clear voice,” Brokaw said. “He will be missed, as he was loved, greatly.”
Russert’s sudden death sent shock waves through the NBC News newsroom and the political establishment, over which he exerted huge influence through his Sunday morning talk show and ubiquitous commentary on MSNBC.
Brokaw noted that 2008 “was one of the important years in Tim’s life.” The avid political journalist often “worked to the point of exhaustion,” he noted.
NBC Universal Chief Executive Jeff Zucker said the company was “heartbroken” about his death.
“We have lost a beloved member of our NBC Universal family and the news world has lost one of its finest,” Zucker said in a statement. “The enormity of this loss cannot be overstated. More than a journalist, Tim was a remarkable family man. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Maureen, their son, Luke, and Tim’s entire extended family.”
-- Matea Gold
(Photo courtesy Reuters)
This election, no matter how it turn out, is not going to feel the same.
Posted by: Claire Zulkey | June 13, 2008 at 01:16 PM
Wow, I really liked watching his show... So sad to see him taken so soon...
Posted by: Mo Jo | June 13, 2008 at 02:22 PM
My thoughts and prayers goes out to the family of Mr. Tim Russert. RIP
=(
Posted by: NellieO | June 14, 2008 at 06:01 PM
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the friends and family of Tim Russert. God Bless and keep you in this sad time.
Our family was very upset to hear the news particular My husband was very upset and said " One of my most admired people has died" Our family enjoyed watching Tim on "Meet the Press" and my husband is an avid armchair politic lover. He enjoyed Tim's straight forth questions and Tim always listened to the answer after he asked a questions.
This country will miss this man and everything he stood for.
Posted by: Jacqueline Murray | June 16, 2008 at 10:18 AM