7 days ago
Beloved local TV anchor dies aged 69
Beloved Boston TV anchor Byron Barnett has died at the age of 69 after a brave battle with cancer.
The veteran journalist, who reported for WHDH for nearly four decades, passed away peacefully on Sunday in his hometown of Minneapolis, surrounded by his family.
His station confirmed the tragic news in a moving on-air tribute.
Barnett, a beloved and respected reporter across New England, was known for his political coverage, as well as his ability to connect with viewers and ask tough questions.
He reported on some of the biggest stories of his time, including an interview with Muhammad Ali early in his career that he described as one of his proudest moments.
'For almost 40 years, when big news happened, Byron Barnett was there,' WHDH said in a statement.
'From snowstorms, to shocking courtroom dramas, and moments that changed our world, including the Space Shuttle Challenger explosion in 1986, Byron was reporting live from Cape Canaveral when the disaster happened.'
'It was his questioning of another sports legend that Pats fans will always remember, Bill Belichick.'
'Through the thousands of stories he told, Byron crafted his legacy in Boston.'
His family also released a statement Monday.
'It is with sorrow in our hearts that we share that on Sunday, after facing cancer with unwavering courage, Byron passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family.'
'Throughout his four-decade career, Byron cherished the privilege of telling the stories of New Englanders who welcomed him into their lives. As we grieve his passing, we want to thank every single person in New England who entrusted Byron to tell their story.'
'And to all the viewers throughout the years, we cannot tell you how much your support has meant to him and our family. Byron often said, "He was so lucky to wake up every day and go to a job he loved." And for anyone who was part of his life both in Massachusetts and Minnesota, I'm sure we'd all agree that we were the lucky ones.
Barnett retired in 2021.
After leaving the newsroom, he was inducted into both the Massachusetts Broadcasters Hall of Fame and the NATAS Silver Circle.
7NEWS reporter Jon Hall shared a heartwarming message on Instagram about his friend, saying 'everyone loved the man.'
Barnett, a beloved and respected reporter across New England, was known for his political coverage, as well as his ability to connect with viewers and ask tough questions
'Heartbroken to share the news that my good friend and longtime @7news colleague Byron Barnett died Sunday, surrounded by family, peacefully, in his native Minneapolis,' Hall wrote.
'He faced cancer and its complications. Simply, everyone loved the man. He was such a good reporter and communicator who loved a nasty Nor'easter, or ball game, or presidential race. He covered many of them. He famously grilled Belichick. He even interviewed Muhammad Ali!'
Hall recalled their final dinner on June 5 saying' 'Byron looked great – we just don't know how much time we have on this planet.'
He added: 'A lot of prayers went his way over the last week or so while Byron was hospitalized. Thank you all. I know his family appreciates the love.'
