OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
CNN “This Morning” co-anchor Don Lemon became overwhelmed with emotion on Monday morning while reporting on the tragic death of CNN journalist Drew Griffin, who died on Saturday at the age of 60 due to cancer.
Lemon was emotional over Griffin’s passing: “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 Drew earned a Peabody award for his probe into delays at Veterans Affairs hospitals. He won three national Emmys for his reporting exposing corporate and congressional corruption. Prior to joining CNN, he was an investigative reporter at CBS in Los Angeles for ten years, and we honor — we’re going to honor him a little bit later on this hour. I’m sorry,” Lemon continued.
“I know This is tough for you. He said he was one of the first people you met at CNN,” said co-host Kaitlan Collins, comforting Lemon.
Lemon took off his glasses and said, “I’m sorry” as he grabbed a tissue and wiped his eyes.
“Drew was such a gifted storyteller,” said Collins.
WATCH:
Longtime CNN investigative reporter Drew Griffin has passed away at age 60.
"I'm sorry," says his friend and colleague Don Lemon, who got very emotional on set while reading the story.pic.twitter.com/Ky91uQcCR1
— Patriot News Alerts (@pxn45) December 19, 2022
Other CNN figures and personalities mourned Griffin with tributes on Twitter.
“Drew’s death is a devastating loss to CNN and our entire profession,” CNN CEO Chris Licht said in a note to staff. “A highly acclaimed investigative journalist, Drew’s work had incredible impact and embodied the mission of this organization in every way.”
Michael Bass, CNN’s Executive Vice President of Programming, also shared his admiration for Griffin in a note to the investigative team Sunday.
“Fearless and artful at the same time, he knew how to push a story forward to its limits, but also tell it in a way that would make everyone understand,” Bass said. “How many times has he chased an unwilling interviewee? How many times has he spoken truth to power? How many times has he made a difference on something important … It was an honor to be his colleague and to be witness to his work and the ways it changed the world.”
S.E. Cupp tweeted: “A very sad day here at CNN. Drew was an incredible journalist and lovely person. He will be missed.”
Host Jim Sciutto wrote: “This is stunningly sad news – Drew was a good man, a tremendous journalist and a huge part of @CNN. My deepest condolences to his family.”
Host Poppy Harlow said: “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.”
Reporter Paul Vercammen wrote on Twitter: “RIP to the best investigative reporter I’ve worked with — Drew Griifin. Tenacious, bright and funny. Drew lost a battle with cancer he kept private. Drew fought for war vets, exposed liars etc.”
Patricia DiCarlo, Executive Producer of CNN’s investigative unit said: “You know when a Drew Griffin story starts – it’s going to be great. His way with words set him apart. There are just so many people who worked with him and loved him – this is a devastating loss. There was no one else like him. We were Team Drew.”
CNN’s Communications Team wrote on Twitter: “Drew Griffin, CNN’s award-winning Senior Investigative Correspondent, died Saturday. We remember Drew as a kind, consummate professional who took the time to mentor younger journalists, cared deeply about his team – and was always ready to lend a hand.”
Longtime CNN correspondent Omar Jimenez wrote: “Wow, this is devastating. Every time Drew Griffin did a story I knew I needed to turn up the volume. He died this weekend after a long battle with cancer his family said. May he Rest In Peace.”
