Journalist Emily Morgan dies aged 45 after battle with lung cancer
ITV News’s Health and Science Editor Emily Morgan has died aged 45, the broadcaster announced today.
Described as ‘incredibly talented’, the mother of two girls played a critical role in the network’s coverage of the Covid pandemic.
ITN – who she worked for for 23 years – revealed she passed away after a short battle with lung cancer.
Reporting from behind the healthcare frontline, her work was described as ‘instrumental’ in exposing the pressure NHS workers were under.
Andrew Dagnell, the editor of ITV Network News, said: ‘We are deeply saddened by the passing of our remarkable colleague, Emily Morgan.
Emily was not only an incredibly talented journalist, but a much-loved member of the ITV Newsroom and her absence will be deeply felt by all who knew her.
‘As our Health and Science editor, Emily played a pivotal role in shaping our coverage through some of the most important stories of our time, including her courageous reporting through the COVID-19 pandemic, visiting hospitals and health care workers on the front lines, and sharing their stories with our viewers.
‘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.
‘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.’
Sources at the Royal College of Nursing – who represent nursing staff throughout the country – told MailOnline: ‘This is deeply saddening news.
‘One of the finest journalists in our field and she will be sorely missed.’
Health and Social Care Secretary Steve Barclay added that she provided a ‘vital public service over the pandemic.
He said: ‘Sad to hear that ITV News health and science editor Emily Morgan has died.
‘Her exemplary reporting throughout the Covid pandemic was a vital public service – helping to keep people safe.
‘My thoughts are with her family and friends at this time.’
NHS England also tribute to Ms Morgan, praising her ‘exceptional’ coverage of the pandemic.
They tweeted: ‘Everyone at NHS England deeply saddened to hear this terrible news.
‘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.’
ITV’s Royal Editor, Chris Ship, said: ‘She was such a beautiful person and a dear friend.
‘As Health Editor, Emily was fearless in reporting Covid to the nation in 2020.
‘Talented, kind, full of humanity. She was 45.
‘But she was a mother to 2 girls, wife, sister & daughter. Our thoughts with them.