One of the most recognized faces of U.S. television news, Tim Russert, has died of a suspected heart attack while preparing his weekly show, aged 58.
The newsman, most noted for his NBC show 'Meet The Press', was the network's Washington Bureau chief. Time magazine had named him one of the 100 most influential people in the world this year.
According to a report on NBC's website, Russert collapsed while recording voiceovers for his Sunday show, and was rushed to Sibley Memorial Hosptial in Washington.
His physician, Michael Newman, said that resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful, and that the actual cause of death is not yet known.
President Bush issued a statement immediately saying that Russert was "an institution in both news and politics for more than two decades.”
He is survived by his wife Maureen Orth and their son Luke.
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Photo courtesy of NBC.
