32-Year-Old N.Y. Journo Dies Just Before Taking Dream Job at CNN

Michael J. Feeney, a former New York Daily News reporter, has died at 32 of complications from a staph infection just before beginning “his dream job as an entertainment reporter” at CNN.com, the paper reported Monday.

For four years, Feeney served as president of the New York Association of Black Journalists (NYABJ), who said in a statement that Feeney “was a dedicated leader of the organization and an outstanding journalist.”

Feeney “worked tirelessly furthering our goals and revitalizing the chapter. He was a mentor to so many just starting out as journalists and a constant voice for those working tirelessly in media,” the NYABJ said.

Colleagues and admirers took to Twitter to remember Feeney as an exceptional journalist and mentor to many in his field.

Just heard that Michael Feeney , young dynamic journalist died this morning. A good brother and fine journalist. Sad news, RIP Michael.

— Reverend Al Sharpton (@TheRevAl) January 31, 2016

You will be hard pressed to find a more genuinely caring, helpful and true person like Michael Feeney. He would loo… pic.twitter.com/AjHWybtfXF

— Datwon Thomas (@Daydog) February 1, 2016

One way we can honor the life of Michael Feeney @MfeeneyReports @mfeeney? By mentoring a young journalist, sharing what we know. @NABJ

— Karen Rouse (@rouse_karen) February 1, 2016

Journalist. Leader. Rising star.

My condolences to the friends and family of @mfeeney.

Rest in peace. https://t.co/RQQtkOPa2V

— Bill de Blasio (@BilldeBlasio) February 1, 2016

[image via Twitter/@mfeeney]

[h/t NY Daily News]

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