‘He knew he was greatly loved': Ex-News24 editor Andrew Trench dies at 54

News24

2 days ago

Investigative journalist and editor Andrew Trench has died at the age of 54.
He was recently diagnosed with stage four oesophageal cancer.
He was remembered for his tenacity and dedication to journalism.
Andrew Trench, remembered for his courage and dedication to uncovering the truth as an investigative journalist and editor, has died at the age of 54.
Trench, who was recently diagnosed with stage four oesophageal cancer, was with his family at the time of his passing in hospital on Friday night.
His wife, Gill, said he was peaceful in his last few hours.
'We were in a quiet private room at Vincent Pallotti Hospital, decorated by [our daughter] Gem, with knick-knacks from home, including a painting she did for Andrew and his Robben Island crossing medal.
'He knew we were there and that he was greatly loved.'
Trench was a veteran in the media industry, who served as editor of News24, the Daily Dispatch, The Witness, and The Times. He also served as editorial director of Tiso Blackstar.
He was the Media24 investigations editor for three years and later became News24's first editor-in-chief.
Current News24 editor-in-chief Adriaan Basson remembered Trench's invaluable contribution.
'Andrew played a pivotal role in setting up News24 for future success when he established a fully-fledged digital newsroom in 2015. People wanted to work with Andrew and he attracted some of the best journalistic talent to News24, many of whom are still on the title,' said Basson.
'I will remember his courage and tenacity as investigative journalist, editor and battling cancer in the last months of his life. Gill and Gemma are in our hearts and thoughts, and we will honour Andrew and his legacy appropriately.'
Before visiting his doctor after complaining about feeling ill, Trench was an entrepreneur building his own business, enjoying fitness and health, looking to retire in 10 years.
After being diagnosed, his medical costs were declined by his medical aid for a specific drug treatment as he didn't have the right product to activate coverage.
He and Gill set up a BackaBuddy campaign to raise the R3.5 million he needed over two years of treatment in a worst-case scenario and were blown away by the support from loved ones and strangers alike.
The latest total donated stood at R831 734.
Through the Facebook campaign, called Andrew's Fighting Chance, individuals had also organised sports events locally and internationally to show support and raise further funds.
Last month, Trench posted a photo of himself giving a thumbs up while receiving chemotherapy and the second round of his Keytruda treatment that was being funded by donations.
Investigative journalist and author Jacques Pauw said Trench was a brilliant journalist and a dear friend.
'I had worked with him for several years and he was to a certain extent an 'old school' journalist who believed that you earn your stripes by never giving up, and to continue to dig until you have exposed the truth.
'And, when the job is done, you toast with a glass of chilled white wine. His passing is an immeasurable loss to the industry.'
Journalism professor Anton Harber said: 'Andrew's dedication to his craft, and the changes it was going through, were exemplary. He didn't just move with the times, he led them.'
Gill thanked everyone for their love and support, adding that there would be a memorial soon.