OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
ABC News producer Dax Tejera tragically passed away from a sudden heart attack at the age of 37. Tejera served as the executive producer of the network’s Sunday program “This Week with George Stephanopoulos” since 2020.
“It’s with a heavy heart and great sadness that we share that our friend and colleague, Dax Tejera passed away suddenly from a heart attack last night. As EP of “This Week with George Stephanopoulos” Dax’s energy, passion, and love for that show, ABC News, and you, shined every Sunday morning. That same love was extended to his precious girls. Our thoughts are with his wife, Veronica, the couple’s two young daughters, and the entire Tejera family. If you need immediate support, please call our 24/7EAP support line. We will share more details in the coming days. On this Christmas Eve, hug your loved ones a little tighter. And please lean on each other,” ABC News president Kim Godwin announced in a memo to staffers.
ABC News anchor Rachel Scott later confirmed Tejera’s death on “World News Tonight.”
‘’This Week’ co-anchor Jonathan Karl shared that Dax adored his family and he loved his work,” she reported for ABC News. “His passing has left us shocked and hurt.”
WATCH:
.@RachelvScott reports on the sudden passing of Dax Tejera, the Executive Producer of @ABCThisWeek. In a memo to employees, @ABC President Kim Godwin said that Dax's passion and love for the show shined every Sunday morning. pic.twitter.com/Cl7P5EJ1O5
— World News Tonight (@ABCWorldNews) December 25, 2022
ABC News producer dead at 37https://t.co/h4PGTC8qh1
— Fox News (@FoxNews) December 27, 2022
Tributes poured in from Tejera’s colleagues following the news of his sudden passing.
Sabine Hazan, MD said: “I asked my husband this am, How many 37 yrs old have you seen die of a heart attack in 25 yrs as a cardiologist? He said “ none”. It’s important to Pay attention to the n of 1 before you become the 1.”
Alejandro Díaz MD said: “Absolutely tragic, Dax Tejera, Executive producer of ABC News, died of a heart attack at age 37. Incredible number of young people who are having sudden death. Something is very wrong. May his soul rest in peace.”
CNN producer Javi Morgado said: “Heartbroken to learn that my friend. @DaxTejera, the executive producer of @ThisWeekABC, died from a heart attack. I first met Dax 15 years ago when he worked for me at the
@TODAYshow. He accomplished so much since then. His wife Veronica and daughters are in my thoughts tonight.”
ABC News correspondent John Quiñones tweeted: “Such a heartbreaking day for all of us at ABC News. Dax Tejera was not only the brightest – most compassionate – executive producer I’ve ever worked with, but he was also a dear friend. On this Christmas Day, my thoughts are with his wife, Veronica, and his two baby daughters.”
Senior national correspondent Jim Avila wrote: “Sad day for abc. A good friend and groundbreaking ABC executive passes unexpectedly at 37. Dax Tejera i only have good thoughts my friend.”
“Such a heartbreaking day for all of us at @abcnews Dax Tejera was not only the brightest – most compassionate – executive producer I’ve ever worked with, he was also a dear friend,” said correspondent John Quiñones.
According to his LinkedIn profile, Tejara worked at NBC Universal from 2007 to 2013, becoming a producer in 2010. He worked at Fusion Media Network for four years as an executive producer on America with Jorge Ramos before moving to ABC News as a senior producer in 2017.