Zogun Dead At Age 86

Award-winning journalist died of natural causes, police believe


RYDINGTON, CEONA--Award-winning broadcaster Robert Zogun passed away last night at his home in suburban Mavocke, the Rydington Fire Department confirmed Tuesday afternoon.

Police were dispatched to Zogun's home in the suburb of Rydington, Ceona, after he failed to arrive at his office at the GBC studios in Mavocke, about twenty minutes away.

When police arrived, his car was still in the home's garage. Zogun was found in his bed, already deceased.

The Hammington County Medical Examiner's office will perform an autopsy at the request of the family, however police believe the cause of death was natural causes.

"There is nothing at the scene that suggests this was other than a natural death," Lt. Dan Martinek told the NPF.

The GBC released a statement Tuesday afternoon, calling Zogun's passing a "sad occasion" and saying he "will be missed by all."

"Robert's passion for news and his warm, friendly personality will be missed by all at GBC and by viewers across the country," GBC CEO John Levy said at a press conference Tuesday afternoon. "We are so thankful for the many dedicated years Robert spent with us here at GBC, and for the exceptional quality of work he brought to the broadcast industry."

Levy also called Zogun a "legend of broadcasting" that will "forever be remembered for his commitment to his work and for his appreciation of his viewers."

Zogun's long history in the business started in 1941, when he joined the Air Force at the age of 17. While serving overseas during World War II, he was stationed in Africa and eastern Europe and worked as a radio operator. After returning to Grassadellia in 1945, Zogun began a career in radio, starting in Lake City, and eventually moving to Grassadellia City.

In 1971, he joined the GBC, working as an international correspondent and then later a political reporter. In 1976, Zogun became the GBC's Chief Mavocke correspondent, and held that position until 1986, when he began working as a commentator and analyst. In 1999, Zogun retired, but signed a contract with the GBC to work on special assignments for the network.

Most recently, he had few on-air assignments, but instead spent most of his time producing and advising, the network said.

Friends and colleagues fondly remembered him as a serious journalist with a commanding knowlege of the business.

"He was a fixture in this newsroom," Jim Freeman, Executive News Producer at the GBC said. "Whenever Robert had something to say, people stopped and listened."

Colleagues from rival networks also paid tribute, with GNN National News anchor Fred Johnson calling him a "hero of journalism" and the STAR Network's Jim Brennan remembering him as a "giant of television."

Zogun never married and had no children. A spokesman for the family says they are grieving their loss.

The GBC is planning a special tribute to his honor, to be broadcast later this month.