Aaron Brown, the renowned CNN anchor known for his coverage of the September 11 terrorist attack, died at the age of 76 on Sunday, December 29, 2024. Several outlets such as The Washington Post report that Brown died of pneumonia, confirmed by a family spokesperson. However, other outlets like USA Today and CNN do not specify any cause of death at the moment.
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CNN shared the sad news of Brown's passing on New Year's Eve 2024 in a heartwarming piece, compiling his career highlights as well as statements from his former colleagues.
CNN journalist John Vause spoke highly of Brown, recalling how he taught him the words "I don't know," in a journalistic context. "That's one of the greatest things he taught me as a reporter. But he also taught me to certainly lift my game and be a much better reporter, to be ready for those questions that only he could ask," Vause said. He then called Brown a mentoring "tough guy."
"He had a biting sense of humor, and in the days before people spoke of a work-life balance, Aaron knew its value," CNN producer Jon Auerbach said, calling Brown a "craftsman. "Anchoring a program at 10 p.m. can be brutal, but Aaron was able to make time for what was important to him outside the studio, whether it be his wife and daughter or a round of golf."
Brown's colleague, CNN producer David Fitzpatrick praised Brown, saying "he always wanted the very best of people." "It was remarkable when we received a compliment from him," Fitzpatrick said. "He was a signature anchor during his prime time. His legacy will mean concise writing, concise presentation and a calm demeanor in the face of crisis. Impactful, insightful and measured."
Remembering Aaron Brown
Born in Minneapolis in 1948, Aaron Brown started his broadcasting career in his home city. He would then move to Seattle where he would spend 15 years in outlets such as KING-TV in 1975 and KIRO-TV in 1986. Brown then became the founding anchor of "World News Now" on ABC. Eventually, Brown joined CNN in 2001.
His very first CNN appearance was an important date in American history: September 11, 2001. He covered the 9/11 terrorist attacks from the roof of CNN's Manhattan office and accompanied millions of viewers during such a tragic event. On air, he ushered his famous words as the second tower of the World Trade Center collapsed, now immortalized: "Good Lord. There are no words."
Aaron Brown would be awarded the Edward R. Murrow Award for his 9/11 coverage. He stayed with CNN until 2007.
