Bob Read, Inside Edition's leading investigative producer and managing editor, died Saturday of complications due to COVID-19. He was 60.
Inside Edition, where Read had worked for 30 years, announced his death, describing him in a statement as a "cherished member of the Inside Edition family."
Read had been working on the program's pandemic coverage up until he was diagnosed with the virus on Dec. 18.
"For 30 years, Bob has been a cherished member of the Inside Edition family. He headed up the show's award-winning investigative unit, and was the managing editor for overall news coverage," the program wrote. "Bob brought the tenacity he had in his reporting to his fight with the virus. But Saturday morning, that battle ended."
The Long Island native started his journalism career at ABC News 20/20, where he produced news, features and investigative reports during his eight years at the show, according to Deadline.
He later produced investigative reports at Dateline NBC before heading to Inside Edition.
The popular newsmagazine noted that Read was "a mentor to so many of our staff," and added that his "legacy will live on through the countless people whose careers he shaped," Deadline reported.
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"His passion, tireless energy, and grace under pressure inspired all of us to do our best work," the program said.
Read is survived by his wife of 36 years, Michele, and his two children, Tyler and Casey.
To honor Read's legacy, his family has established the Robert B. Read Memorial Fund, which provides emergency financial assistance to families impacted by COVID-19.
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