NEED TO KNOW
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Former ABC News senior correspondent Jim Avila has died; he was 69
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ABC News Live anchor Diane Macedo shared the news on Nov. 13, stating that he “passed away after a long illness”
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His career accomplishments including receiving the White House Correspondents Association’s Merriman Award in 2015
The ABC News family is mourning one of its own.
On Thursday, Nov. 13, ABC News Live anchor Diane Macedo announced the “sad news” that former senior correspondent Jim Avila has died. He was 69.
Avila “passed away after a long illness,” Macedo, 43, said. However, she did not share any further details about his death.
The anchor then detailed Avila’s extensive history with the network, which dates back nearly two decades. “Jim was an L.A.-based correspondent specializing in politics, justice, law and consumer investigations for nearly two decades,” she said.
Jim Avila/X
Jim Avila for ABC News
“He also worked in the White House and broke the news that the U.S. and Cuba had reopened diplomatic relations. That story earned him the prestigious Merriman Award from the White House Correspondents Association,” Macedo continued.
Avila won the Merriman Award in 2015 for his coverage of U.S. contractor Alan Gross’ release from the Cuban government after five years. “From tight, breathless morning reports where every word was news, to relaxed man-on-the-street evening interviews, Avila told the whole story on merciless deadlines,” the WHCA said at the time.
The association added, “That’s the sort of excellence in presidential news coverage under deadline pressure that the Merriman Smith Award is meant to honor.”
During his time at ABC News, Avila was also a 20/20 correspondent.
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Jim Avila/Instagram
From Left: Diane Sawyer and Jim Avila for ABC News
Macedo said, “After leaving ABC News, Jim joined the ABC affiliate in San Diego as a senior investigative reporter covering a wide range of stories with depth and fairness.”
He also faced health challenges “with courage,” Macedo said of the journalist receiving “a kidney transplant donated by his brother.”
President of ABC News Almin Karamehmedovic said in a statement, “We send our heartfelt condolences to his family, including his three children, Jamie, Jenny, and Evan, and we thank him for his many contributions and unwavering commitment to seeking out the truth.”
Read the original article on People
