Veteran Australian broadcaster, George Negus, has passed away at the age of 82.
The ABC news veteran and former Foreign Correspondent host had suffered from Alzheimer’s disease for the past five years and reportedly died due to complications surrounding the illness.
In a statement, Mr Negus’ family said he had “passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones” in Sydney.
“Despite the challenges diseases like Alzheimer’s inflict on families, we still shared beautiful times, laughter and happiness together in recent times,” the statement read.
“We also learnt a lot.”
“While we know he will be celebrated for his unique contribution to journalism, football, and the environment, he would also want to be remembered for the incredible family man he was.”
Mr Negus had been living in a Sydney aged care home since 2021, with his family last month revealing he had become non-verbal.
In a LinkedIn post on Father’s Day in September, his son, Ned, shared a photo of his beloved dad.
“I was hesitant to post this on LinkedIn, as it’s pretty personal,” Ned wrote.
“But then realised you’re all humans and there’s always a place for sharing human realities with your professional network.
“He’s now non-verbal most of the time (mind-blowing for me but also for any of you that know him),” he wrote.
Dementia Australia CEO, Professor Tanya Buchanan said the organisation had passed on its condolences to Mr Negus’ partner of 17 years, journalist and photographer Kirsty Cockburn, and his two sons.
“Mr Negus was an icon for Australians and for Australian media. He generously contributed to raising awareness about dementia and the impact it has on individuals and their families,” Professor Buchanan said.
“Throughout their experience, Ms Cockburn and their sons have been tireless in continuing to raise awareness publicly and at all levels of government to ensure that all Australian’s impacted by dementia know they are not alone.”
