Remembering Tom Jarriel: The Legendary ABC News Reporter Passes Away at 89

Tom Jarriel, an esteemed reporter for ABC News, known for his deep investigative work and emotional storytelling, has died at the age of 89. He spent 37 years at ABC, primarily with the show "20/20," and is remembered for his powerful reports on humanitarian crises.

 

Tom Jarriel, a renowned reporter whose impactful journalism spanned nearly four decades at ABC News, has passed away at the age of 89. His son Steve confirmed that Jarriel died on Thursday at a nursing facility in Annapolis, Maryland, after suffering a debilitating stroke the previous year.

Joining ABC News in 1978, Jarriel quickly made a name for himself as a correspondent for the acclaimed newsmagazine "20/20," where he worked until 2002, covering a range of serious issues including famine, war, and human rights abuses. His early work with "20/20" facilitated a powerful blend of storytelling and journalism that resonated deeply with viewers.

Amongst his impactful reports, Jarriel often highlighted the plight of the world's most vulnerable populations. He notably covered the harrowing conditions of child orphans in Romania, where he and producer Janice Tomlin discovered children in horrific environments, living in extreme neglect and despair. In an unforgettable report broadcast in 1990, Jarriel described these state-run asylums, stating, "These are not the orphanages seen before on American television. These are state-run asylums shrouded in secrecy."

Janice Tomlin reflected on their collaborations, saying, “We did not do happy stories together,” signifying the profound seriousness with which they approached humanitarian coverage. Chasing truth relentlessly, Jarriel's career was marked by an unwavering commitment to shedding light on suffering even when it meant confronting sad realities.

Throughout his tenure, Jarriel secured a remarkable 19 Emmy Awards for his dedication to journalism and storytelling, earning respect on a global scale. His legacy lives on not only in the accolades he received but also in the indelible mark he left on viewers with his poignant and oftentimes heart-wrenching narratives of the human experience.