Last Updated on: 30th June 2023, 07:28 pm
FOX13 Reporter Tom Dees Cause Of Death
Tom Dees, FOX13 News’ longest-serving contributor, died Thursday at the age of 57.
The news was released by FOX13 on Thursday evening. Dees joined FOX13 in the fall of 1995 and was known for his coverage of DeSoto County and northern Mississippi.
On February 11, he would have been 58 years old. His feature film Tom DEESoto County was on the air for many years.
“For the past several years, Tom has been a multimedia journalist (MMJ), also known as a one-man gang in the television industry. That meant he generally roamed northern Mississippi alone, often filming some stories to date,” the FOX13 statement said.
“These stories were almost always filled with real people from the area who were most impacted by the stories. It was easy for Tom to find these real people because he was one himself. In an industry known for its big personalities and egos, Tom Dees was humble. Each day he would don a white shirt, khaki, and a large belt buckle and head to his press truck to serve his community.”
Dees went to Mississippi State University, graduating in 1987.
Journalists from across the region tweeted their condolences on Friday.
“So sorry to hear about this loss,” tweeted Jim Spiewak, KUTV reporter from Salt Lake City.
“Tom was a mate for 3 years. Always smiling, always laughing. RIP Dees.”
Amelia, Ally, and Austin were the three children that Dees and his wife Cathy had together. Ally Dees launched GoFundMe in January to raise money for Dees, who was recently hospitalized and found to have Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF).
“My dad has spent the last 25 years trying to be the best dad my two brothers and I could have asked for,” wrote Ally Dees on the GoFundMe page.
“We’ve had the privilege of meeting so many wonderful people in the Mid-South community because of him, and we’re confident that the community will support him during this time.”
As of 10th February, the fundraiser has raised over 35,000 USD.
“To know Tom Dees was to love him. A man with a million questions, his personal and professional passion for the Middle South was endearing and admirable,” FOX13’s written statement read.
“He was a tireless and loyal friend and colleague. Tom Dees was quick to make fun of himself (usually his hair, or lack thereof) and could always make those around him smile. He will be missed by everyone who knew him.”
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