BBC newsreader George Alagiah, 67, died on Monday with his loved ones at his side. In April of 2014, it was determined that his colon cancer had progressed to stage four and spread to his liver and lymph nodes.
Alagiah had two cycles of chemotherapy and multiple surgeries, including a liver transplant. He finished his therapy and returned to BBC News At Six on November 10, 2015.
In December of 2017, he was diagnosed with cancer once again and after undergoing treatment, he was able to return to work. In October 2021, George had to take time away from the studio to cope with, yet again, the progression of his disease. He did not return until April 2022.
Mary Greenham, his agent, expressed her deep sadness at his passing, saying she was terribly sorry to have to inform everyone that George Alagiah died peacefully, his family and loved ones surrounding him at the bedside.
Sir Keir Starmer, leader of the Labour Party, praised George as “a much-loved face of BBC news for decades” and sent his condolences to George’s loved ones.
She said that everyone who knew George adored him; this included his friends, coworkers, and the general public. He was an exceptional person in every way.
“Across the BBC, we are all incredibly sad to hear the news about George,” said BBC director-general Tim Davie. Our hearts go out to him and his loved ones. He was a daring reporter and newscaster who traveled the globe to bring his audience the latest developments. In addition to being a brilliant journalist, his genuine compassion shone through in his work. He will be sorely missed by all of us.
Mark Austin, of Sky, tweeted, “This breaks my heart,” in homage. Friend first and foremost, and a worthy adversary on the foreign reporter beat. Austin said if empathy is a key component of effective journalism, which it frequently is, then George Alagiah possessed it in plenty. He was aware of the ability of journalism to bring attention to, if not change, social wrongs.
