Ex-CNN anchor Aaron Brown who broke 9/11 atrocity live on air dies at 76 as tributes pour in
FORMER CNN news anchor Aaron Brown has died at the age of 76, his family has said.
The journalist, who rose to fame for his coverage of the 9/11 terror attacks, died on Sunday.
Brown’s journalism career spanned decades as he worked in local news before anchoring ABC’s overnight show World News Now.
He joined CNN in June 2001, and his first day on the air was on September 11.
Brown actually started presenting his coverage earlier than planned.
He was hailed for his composure as chaos unfolded around him when the South Tower of the World Trade Center collapsed.
Smoke was seen billowing into the New York City skyline while Brown remained calm, explaining to viewers what had happened.
The North Tower collapsed around 30 minutes after the South Tower toppled, to which Brown said: “Good lord. There are no words.”
Brown was on the air reporting for 17 hours on the day of 9/11.
A decade on, he recalled how he was feeling.
“I know I was exhilarated, which I know will sound strange, but it’s what I had prepared my life to do, ” he told Guy Raz, the All Things Considered host, in 2011.
Popular CNN host Anderson Cooper has led the tributes in light of Brown’s death.
He said Brown had a “unique talent” and had a “beautiful way with words.”
Producer David Fitzpatrick described the late journalist as “impactful, insightful, and measured” in a glowing tribute.
“He was a signature anchor during his prime time,” he said.
Jon Auerbach, also a producer, hailed Brown for his ability to make time for his family amid his busy schedule.
“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,” he said.
Former CNN star Amanda Turnbull paid tribute to the late journalist for his ability to tell a story, but always struck a balance on the human level.
Brown left CNN in 2005, and his prime time slot on the network was given to Cooper.
Chiefs at the time revealed that the decision was made to boost Cooper, who was considered a rising star at the time, into the limelight.
Jon Klein, the former president of CNN, said Brown had made “enormous contributions” to the network, as he announced that the anchor would be leaving the network.