A Los Angeles TV reporter and anchor’s death is being treated as a possible drug overdose.
Chris Burrous, 43, a popular KTLA Morning News journalist and weekend host, was found unresponsive on Thursday at a Days Inn in Glendale, Calif. Authorities headed to the motel after a man Burrous was with reported that he had passed out and was possibly not breathing due to an overdose, Glendale Police Sgt. Dan Suttles said at a press conference.
KTLA reported that firefighters first on the scene arrived to find Burrous’ male companion, whom Suttles described as “a friend,” trying to save him. The man “quite honestly did a good job of trying to render aid,” according to Suttles. Paramedics then took Burrous, who had been with the channel since 2011, to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
There was no indication that Burrous’ death was a suicide, Suttles said.
“Detectives will be awaiting the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office report for a determination of the cause of death and to assist in bringing the investigation to a conclusion,” Suttles wrote in a press release.
KTLA president and general manager Don Corsini and news director Jason Ball said Burrous, who is survived by his wife Mai Do-Burrous and 9-year-old daughter Isabella, would be remembered as “a great journalist and a wonderful friend,” according to Variety.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Burrous family. Chris loved sharing the stories of Southern California and connecting with our viewers,” the pair said in a statement. “He brought a kindness to his work and will be deeply missed by the entire KTLA family.”
We have some sad news to report. Chris Burrous, a fixture on the KTLA 5 Morning News since 2011, passed away Thursday. He was a beloved member of the KTLA family and will be deeply missed. He was 43. https://t.co/HfDA1wTbOX pic.twitter.com/Qd0uz275pC
— KTLA (@KTLA) December 28, 2018
