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NBC News Mourns Sudden Death Of Veteran Journalist

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OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.


Tragedy has struck NBC News as one of its longtime editors has died suddenly. MSNBC host Andrea Mitchell announced the death of veteran journalist Vaughn Ververs, who she said “passed away suddenly” at 54 years old, on her Monday show.

“For almost 13 years, Vaughn helped shape our political coverage as a top digital editor here in our Washington bureau,” the host said. “He was a veteran reporter whose career included POLITICO and CBS News and the National Journal’s Hotline. He was also Deputy Press Secretary for Pat Buchanan’s presidential campaign.

“Vaughn pioneered a generation of political journalism and he mentored so many young journalists here. He was a devoted husband and father and loved his University of Colorado Buffaloes. Our hearts are with his wife, Lisa, and their three children,” she said. “We all miss him terribly.”

“He is the beloved husband of Lisa Ververs; loving father of Victoria Ververs (Mitch Kincaid), Camryn Ververs, and Vaughn Henry Ververs; brother of Van Morris Ververs (Sabrina) and Morris Cameron Ververs (Rebecca); son of Morris Dean and Verna Dae Vervvers; also survived by 13 nieces and nephews,” his obituary read.

“Vaughn was born on January 10th 1969 in Colorado Springs Colorado. He spent about 3 years of his childhood living in Deering and Kivalina Alaska. He went to the University of Colorado Boulder where he studied History. After making the move to D.C. he briefly served as the deputy press secretary for Pat Buchanan, beginning his political career. Vaughn later worked for Hotline, CBS News, Politico and NBC News as a political editor,” it said.

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“Vaughn met his wife, Lisa in 1991 through a mutual friend and got married on December 11, 1993. They had Victoria in 1997, Camryn in 2000, and Vaughn Henry in 2003. Vaughn’s family was his pride and joy and he loved them fiercely. He made many lifelong friends and was loved and cherished by all.
Vaughn enjoyed Stephen King books, Marvel movies, and sitting in his recliner with his dogs. He liked to cook and try new recipes. He enjoyed sharing stories of his childhood and life experiences. Vaughn was the sweetest husband, most loving father, and kindest friend. We will all miss him to the moon and back, forever and ever,” it said.

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“An incomplete tribute to Vaughn Ververs: His political insight was superb. His edits spot on. His advise insightful. He doubled as my (and others’) work therapist. Nothing phased him. He was calm and skeptical and could laugh about it all. He was so kind. You’re missed Vaughn,” Washington Post reporter Leigh Ann Caldwell said on Twitter.

“Anyone but Vaughn Ververs would have taken one look at the newly-arrived editor they gave him to help out with politics coverage in early 2016 and said thanks but no thanks. He was a singularly kind and generous colleague, teacher and friend. We miss him,” Liz Johnstone, the managing editor of NBC News said.

“Vaughn Ververs was everything you want in an editor. His political BS detector was strong. He was a mentor to a generation of writers. He was smart, funny, and most of all, just a great guy. And he loved his @CUBoulder Buffs. We will all miss him dearly,” NBC editor Doug Adams said.

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“Forever grateful to learn so much from Vaughn… from working through stories to just hanging and chatting about all things politics. He was fascinated by the world, and always incredibly kind. This is a terrible loss,” NBC producer Kailani Koenig said.

“Our NBC News family has suffered a terrible loss with the sudden passing of our beloved top digital editor in Washington Vaughn Ververs, a mentor to many and big-hearted colleague to all. Our deepest condolences to his wife Lisa and 3 children,” Mitchell said on Twitter.

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“So many have said it already — Vaughn was an amazingly nice guy and we’re all going to miss working with him,” NBC senior national political reporter Henry J. Gomez said.

Everyone at Conservative Brief sends our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.

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