Tributes have been paid to Emily Morgan, ITV News’ health and science editor, who has died aged 45, the broadcaster announced.
Morgan, whose career with the channel spanned more than two decades, was recently diagnosed with lung cancer and died on Friday night surrounded by her family.
The journalist, who played a pivotal role in ITV News’ coverage of the Covid pandemic, was described as a “brilliant journalist”’ and a “wonderful woman” by colleagues.
Chris Ship, the channel’s royal editor, wrote on Twitter: “She was such a beautiful person and a dear friend. As health editor, Emily was fearless in reporting Covid to the nation in 2020.
“Talented, kind, full of humanity. She was 45.”
Lucrezia Millarini, an ITV newsreader, 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.”
Morgan started with ITV News as a producer and was based in Westminster for five years.
She subsequently became a news reporter and progressed to numerous roles including Wales and West of England correspondent, political correspondent, and health editor. She was recently promoted to health and science editor.
Steve Barclay, the health and social care secretary, said: “Sad to hear that @itvnews health and science editor Emily Morgan has died.
“Her exemplary reporting throughout the Covid pandemic was a vital public service – helping to keep people safe. My thoughts are with her family and friends at this time.”
Andrew Dagnell, editor of ITV Network News, said the broadcaster was deeply saddened by the death of such a “remarkable colleague”.
He added: “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.
“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 on Saturday, NHS England paid tribute to the reporter and tweeted: “Everyone at NHS England deeply saddened to hear this terrible news.
“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.”
BBC Breakfast editor Richard Frediani, who previously worked for ITV News, called Morgan a “first-class journalist”.
He tweeted: “Brilliant. Talented. Intelligent. Dedicated. Fearless. Emily Morgan will always remain in the hearts of all those lucky enough to have worked with her.”
