news reporter Emily Morgan has died aged 45 after being diagnosed with lung .
Morgan worked at ITN for 23 years, and played a major role in covering the COVID-19 pandemic as the Health and Science Editor.
She was a mother to two daughters.
ITN announced the news. ‘We are saddened to share that Emily Morgan has passed away at the age of 45 following a short battle with lung cancer,’ they wrote.
Following the statement, Piers Morgan wrote: ‘What shocking and incredibly sad news. Emily was a brilliant journalist whose work during the covid pandemic was particularly outstanding. RIP.’
Chris Ship, ITV’s royal editor, also shared a tribute on Twitter.
He said: ‘She was such a beautiful person and a dear friend. As Health Editor, Emily was fearless in reporting to the nation.
‘Talented, kind, full of humanity. She was 45.’
Andrew Dagnell, the editor of ITV network news, shared kind words following her passing.
It read: ‘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,’ it continued.
‘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.’
NHS England also shared their condolences. ‘Everyone at NHS England deeply saddened to hear this terrible news,’ they wrote.
‘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.’
Many of Morgan’s colleagues had incredibly touching words.
‘What a privilege to have known, laughed with and worked with this wonderful woman. I’m so sorry she’s gone,’ wrote ITV presenter Lucrezia Millarini.
‘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.’
Her colleague Catherine Jones also wrote on Twitter: ‘We have both covered health news for many years, and I could always count on her on a professional and a personal level.
‘A truly lovely individual; in an industry where most people have flaws, she had none.’
Morgan had a report air on March 30, whereby she met with patients who were heading to Lithuania for treatment due to NHS waiting lists.
