David Diaz, a pioneering journalist who delivered news to New York City residents for decades and was affectionately known as a “reporter’s reporter,” died last week at the age of 82, CBS News announced Monday, March 17.

The veteran broadcaster covered major breaking news events throughout his career, including 9/11 and presidential elections during his approximately 30-year tenure at NBC 4 and CBS 2. He made history as the first Hispanic anchor at a major New York television station, breaking barriers in an industry that lacked diversity when he began his career.

Born in Puerto Rico in 1942, Diaz moved to Washington Heights in Upper Manhattan as a toddler. His impressive educational journey included graduation from Fordham Prep, City College of New York, and a master’s degree from Columbia University, laying the foundation for his distinguished career.

Before entering the television world, Diaz worked as a community activist and newspaper reporter, bringing a depth of experience to his broadcast role. His television career began at NBC 4, where he worked for 15 years before joining CBS 2, where he spent more than 12 years until his departure in 2015.

Throughout his career, Diaz earned five Emmy Awards, a testament to his exceptional reporting abilities and journalistic excellence. His colleagues remembered him for his consummate professionalism and deep understanding of the city he covered.

While covering the September 11, 2001 terror attacks, Diaz was on the ground at Ground Zero, reporting on the aftermath of one of the most traumatic events in New York City’s history. In 2008, he told the Daily News that he suffered from health issues, including sinus problems and headaches, stemming from his on-site coverage following the attacks at the World Trade Center.

Former colleagues highlighted Diaz’s remarkable ability to handle complex stories with apparent ease, even under difficult circumstances.

“I first met David Diaz when I was a print reporter and we went on a complicated trip to South America and Central America,” CBS political reporter Marcia Kramer said in the station’s tribute. “He was able to take this complex story with multiple, multiple locations and cut in the field and feed a piece back and be on the evening news every single night. He was able to do it and make it look so incredibly effortless.”

After concluding his news broadcasting career, Diaz dedicated himself to educating the next generation of journalists. He became a lecturer at the City University of New York (CUNY), teaching courses in mass media, politics, and journalism.

His contributions to education were recognized in 2017 when CUNY presented him with an honorary degree, acknowledging his significant impact on journalism and his role as a trailblazer in the field.

Diaz’s family informed his former station that in his later years, he suffered from a form of dementia that progressively reduced his ability to communicate. Despite these challenges, colleagues noted that his spirit remained strong.

Throughout his decades in journalism, Diaz was known not only for his reporting skills but also for his generosity toward colleagues, particularly those early in their careers. Former coworkers consistently described him as a mentor who was always willing to share his knowledge and help others develop their skills.

Diaz is survived by his wife, Andrea, two daughters, Elena and Nina, and a son-in-law, Jonathan.