Breaking News: NBC’s Tim Russert Dead at 58

Posted on June 13, 2008

Tim Russert, the NBC News’ Washington bureau chief and the moderator of “Meet the Press,” died today after collapsing in the bureau, apparently of a massive heart attack.

Russert was in the middle of recording voiceovers for the “Meet the Press” program when he just collapsed, the network said. It is being speculated that the 58 year old died of a massive heart attack but no details have been confirmed yet.

Tim Russert is the recipient of 48 honorary doctorates, and took over “Meet the Press” in 1991. Now in its 60th year, “Meet the Press” is the longest-running program in the history of television.

Timothy John Russert Jr. was born in Buffalo, N.Y., on May 7, 1950. He was a graduate of Canisius High School, John Carroll University and the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law.

Russert was a member of the board of directors of the Greater Washington Boys and Girls Club, and America’s Promise — Alliance for Youth.

In 1995, the National Father’s Day Committee named him “Father of the Year,” He was also honored as “Dream Dad” in 1998 by Parents Magazine.

Tim Russert leaves behind his wife, Maureen Orth, a writer for Vanity Fair magazine, and a son, Luke.

Update: NBC delayed 15 minutes in broadcasting the news of Russert’s death in order to contact his wife and son, who were vacationing in Italy.