Drew Griffin, CNN Investigative Correspondent, Dead at 60

Drew Griffin, award-winning Senior Investigative Correspondent with CNN, has died. He was 60 years old. 

Griffin passed away after a long battle with cancer, his family confirmed to the network. "Drew’s death is a devastating loss to CNN and our entire profession," wrote CNN CEO Chris Licht in a note to staff. "A highly acclaimed investigative journalist, Drew’s work had incredible impact and embodied the mission of this organization in every way."

During almost 20 years at CNN, Griffin earned awards ike Emmys, Peabodys, and Murrows, working on hundreds of stories and documentaries as part of the network's investigation team. According to CNN, one of Griffin's most significant investigations saw him and his team uncover "delays in medical care that contributed to patient deaths at Department of Veterans Affairs hospitals nationwide. The team’s reporting led to the resignation of the VA secretary, which was followed by the passage of federal legislation and a fundamental change in how veterans’ appointments are handled."

Griffin had reportedly kept his illness private from colleagues and continued doing his job until his passing. 

"Fearless and artful at the same time, he knew how to push a story forward to its limits, but also tell it in a way that would make everyone understand," said Michael Bass, CNN’s Executive Vice President of Programming, "How many times has he chased an unwilling interviewee? How many times has he spoken truth to power? How many times has he made a difference on something important … It was an honor to be his colleague and to be witness to his work and the ways it changed the world."

"He will be missed by all of us," said Anderson Cooper. 

Jade Budowski is a freelance writer with a knack for ruining punchlines and harboring dad-aged celebrity crushes. She was previously a reporter/producer at Decider and is a member of the Television Critics Association. Follow her on Twitter: @jadebudowski.