Don Lemon Breaks Down When Announcing CNN Colleague’s Demise

Revealing to CNN viewers that longtime investigative correspondent Drew Griffin experienced handed absent just after a lengthy struggle with most cancers, CNN This Morning anchor Don Lemon broke down in tears on Monday early morning.

Griffin, who expended virtually two many years with the network’s investigative unit, died on Saturday. Through his time at CNN, he was frequently honored for his reporting, profitable the Murrow, Emmy, and Peabody awards. His dogged investigative do the job on a regular basis experienced a profound actual-earth impact.

His investigation into sexual assault allegations from Uber motorists, for instance, resulted in the firm introducing new basic safety characteristics. Also, a prolonged probe into healthcare care delays at the Division of Veterans Affairs—which contributed to the deaths of patients—prompted the VA secretary to resign.

“Drew’s loss of life is a devastating decline to CNN and our full profession,” CNN CEO Chris Licht said in a assertion. “A hugely acclaimed investigative journalist, Drew’s get the job done had unbelievable effects and embodied the mission of this organization in every way.”

Lemon, who was evidently pretty shut with Griffin, was tasked with breaking the news to CNN audiences on Monday early morning.

“So, we have some really sad news to convey to you currently,” the veteran anchor explained, quickly preventing tears. “Our colleague and friend and longtime distinguished CNN journalist Drew Griffin has passed absent. Drew was with the investigative unit of CNN based mostly in Atlanta given that 2004.”

Immediately after operating down Griffin’s accomplishments, Lemon claimed the system would honor the award-profitable reporter later on in the hour prior to growing really emotional.

“I’m sorry,” he stated as co-host Kaitlan Collins consoled him.

“I know this is tricky for you. You said he was a person of the 1st folks you satisfied at CNN,” she extra as Lemon commenced sobbing.

“I’m sorry,” he cried, taking off his eyeglasses and wiping tears from his facial area.

“Drew was this sort of a gifted storyteller,” a solemn Collins concluded before sending the show to a professional break.

Story proceeds

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