Don Lemon Breaks Down While Announcing CNN Colleague’s Death
Drew Griffin, 60, who passed away after a long battle with cancer, spurred real-world change with his award-winning investigative reporting.
Revealing to CNN viewers that longtime investigative correspondent Drew Griffin had passed away after a long battle with cancer, CNN This Morning anchor Don Lemon broke down in tears on Monday morning.
Griffin, who spent nearly two decades with the network’s investigative unit, died on Saturday. During his time at CNN, he was repeatedly honored for his reporting, winning the Murrow, Emmy, and Peabody awards. His dogged investigative work regularly had a profound real-world impact.
His investigation into sexual assault allegations against Uber drivers, for instance, resulted in the company introducing new safety features. Additionally, a lengthy probe into medical care delays at the Department of Veterans Affairs—which contributed to the deaths of patients—prompted the VA secretary to resign.
“Drew’s death is a devastating loss to CNN and our entire profession,” CNN CEO Chris Licht said in a statement. “A highly acclaimed investigative journalist, Drew’s work had incredible impact and embodied the mission of this organization in every way.”
Lemon, who was apparently very close with Griffin, was tasked with breaking the news to CNN audiences on Monday morning.
Get the best of The Beast delivered right to your inbox
By clicking “SUBSCRIBE” you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
“So, we have some very sad news to tell you today,” the veteran anchor said, immediately fighting tears. “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.”
After running down Griffin’s accomplishments, Lemon said the program would honor the award-winning reporter later in the hour before growing extremely emotional.
“I’m sorry,” he said as co-host Kaitlan Collins consoled him.
“I know this is tough for you. You said he was one of the first people you met at CNN,” she added as Lemon began sobbing.
“I’m sorry,” he cried, taking off his glasses and wiping tears from his face.
“Drew was such a gifted storyteller,” a solemn Collins concluded before sending the show to a commercial break.
See more of our coverage in your search results.
Got a tip? Send it to The Daily Beast here.
Register below to read this article for free or subscribe
to unlock unlimited access to The Daily Beast.
Monthly
$1
First month then $5.99/month
Annual
$35
First year then $59.99/year
Premium
$79
First year then $119.99/year
*Substack access provided by the next business day, using your subscription email. Choosing the Premium plan constitutes your permission to share your subscription email with Substack and your agreement to Substack’s Privacy Policy.
Already have an account? Sign In
Looks like you already have a subscription!
You're all set!
Thanks for subscribing.