ITV News journalist Emily Morgan has died, the broadcaster has announced.
She was the channel’s health and science editor, playing a key role in its coverage of the COVID pandemic.
Chris Ship, the channel’s royal editor, said she died aged just 45.
“She was such a beautiful person and a dear friend,” he tweeted.
“As Health Editor, Emily was fearless in reporting Covid to the nation in 2020.
“Talented, kind, full of humanity.
“She was 45.”
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Andrew Dagnell, editor of ITV Network News, said the broadcaster was deeply saddened by the death of such a “remarkable colleague”.
“Her reporting was instrumental in exposing the immense pressure and strain that NHS workers were under, and she became a trusted voice for the public during an unprecedented time,” Mr Dagnell said.
“Emily’s passion for the role was evident in everything she did and her work was a constant reminder of why journalism matters. Her dedication to informing and educating our viewers will continue to inspire all those who were privileged to work alongside her.
“Our thoughts are with Emily’s family. Emily was proud to be a journalist, but she was even more proud of her family. She adored them. We are sending them our love and support at this unthinkably difficult time.
“Emily was an exceptional journalist, a devoted mother and wife, and a true trailblazer in our field. Her friendship, her professionalism and her enormous contribution to our industry and to the public conversation will not be forgotten.”
After news of her death was announced, NHS England paid tribute to Ms Morgan.
A ‘brilliant journalist’ and ‘wonderful woman’
“Everyone at NHS England deeply saddened to hear this terrible news,” the organisation tweeted.
“Emily was a brilliant journalist whose coverage of Covid in particular was exceptional. She will be hugely missed and our thoughts are with her colleagues, friends and, most of all, her family.
Lucrezia Millarini, a colleague of Ms Morgan, said: “What a privilege to have known, laughed with and worked with this wonderful woman. I’m so sorry she’s gone. Our newsroom and our programmes will not be the same. Every bit of love to Emily’s family. I can’t imagine their loss right now.”
