Drew Griffin, CNN investigative journalist, dies at 60 from cancer: 'Fearless and artful'

Naledi Ushe, USA TODAY
·2 min read
15

Drew Griffin, senior investigative correspondent for CNN, has died.

The award-winning journalist died from cancer on Saturday, his family told CNN. He was 60.

CNN CEO Chris Licht called Griffin's death a "devastating loss to CNN and our entire profession" in a memo to staff. "A highly acclaimed investigative journalist, Drew’s work had incredible impact and embodied the mission of this organization in every way."

Griffin worked on CNN's investigative team for nearly 20 years, reporting on delays in medical care at the Department of Veterans Affairs hospitals worldwide, sexual assault allegations against Uber drivers, claims of fraud stemming out of Trump University, the aftermath of the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol and more. He worked with the team up until his passing, the outlet reported.

CNN Correspondent Drew Griffin attends The 74th Annual Peabody Awards Ceremony on May 31, 2015 in New York City.
CNN Correspondent Drew Griffin attends The 74th Annual Peabody Awards Ceremony on May 31, 2015 in New York City.

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During his time with the outlet, he took home awards from the Emmys, Peabodys and more. "But people mattered more to Drew than prizes," Licht wrote to staff.

"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," Michael Bass, CNN’s Executive Vice President of Programming, said in a memo to staff.

Bass added: "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."

CNN Reporter Drew Griffin poses with his award at The 74th Annual Peabody Awards Ceremony on May 31, 2015 in New York City.
CNN Reporter Drew Griffin poses with his award at The 74th Annual Peabody Awards Ceremony on May 31, 2015 in New York City.

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Griffin's longtime colleague Patricia DiCarlo, executive producer of CNN's investigative unit, also sang praise for his ability to create "compelling, must-see TV stories."

“You know when a Drew Griffin story starts – it’s going to be great,” she said.

Griffin, a Chicago native, began his career on local television stations in Illinois, Florida, South Caroline, North Carolina and Washington, according to CNN. His major break as an investigative reporter started in 1994 when he joined CBS 2 News in Los Angeles.

The journalist is survived by his wife, Margot, and three children: daughter Ele Gast and sons Louis and Miles Griffin. He also has two grandchildren.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Drew Griffin, CNN investigative journalist, dies from cancer at 60