BREAKING: New York Times Reports Tim Russert Has Died of a Heart Attack
Update: From Huffington Post…
Russert suffered a massive heart attack and collapsed Friday afternoon in NBC's Washington bureau, according to the New York Post
Russert was in the tracking booth, recording a track, when he collapsed. He returned from Italy Thursday night. His wife, Maureen Orth, and son Luke, are still in Italy.
TVNewser reminds us that "Around 1pmET this afternoon, Russert was conducting a political Q&A on MSNBC.com."
The New York Times currently has a breaking news banner claiming that Tim Russert has died of a heart attack.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and colleagues. We will update as we receive information.
Below the fold, watch some of Jon Stewart's interviews of Tim Russert from happier times.





It's nice to see that people realize how unique Tim Russert was as a journalist. Also nice to hear the stories and learn that he was just as special as a human being.
Thanks for putting up the clips.
excellence and integrity — words that describe Tim Russert. His untimely death is a huge loss to this country. His passion for politics was contagous, his humor delightful, and his journalistic abilities unmatched.
And God in his heaven declared, 'well done my good and faithful servant.'
Godspeed to this fine man.
When I heard the news at work today… the first thing that came to my mind was…
WHY WHY WHY COULDN'T THIS HAVE BEEN BILL O'RILLEY!
Why is it always the good ones that have to go
Great journalist, great guy, great example.
So sad.
The best way to pay tribute to Russert would be to adopt his high standards for television journalism. It's the least we can do to honor a great professional.
If there is anything we can learn from Tim Russert, it's that making the most of the life each of us has is not a part-time job, it's a full-time blessing. I'll always be inspired by the example Tim gave us. The man loved his country, his family, maintained an ethic of integrity that is very rare in journalism, and he smiled a lot, something we should all do more often.
I do not wish harm on anyone else like Bill O Rielly like I saw on the Post above. I just wish that Tim Russert was still here. I loved watching him on Sunday mornings and I do not know who else will be able to fill his shoes. I will miss him immensely and hope that we are able to learn from him and are able to work together to improve this country. It is a Great Country and he loved it and kept our official accountable. He is also a Great Father and Son and put his family before anything else. He is a Great American Hero. Please do not wish harm on anyone else. Just remember what a Great Man Russert was and wish his family well. History will judge all men and Russert will be one of the Greats!!!
I feel so orphaned. But I am also grateful to have had Tim Russert keep me and millions of other people company every Sunday with his insights. I will miss Tim Russert greatly.
Jon Stewart is a class act. I saw him Friday night in Wallingford, CT, and he had some really kinds words to say about Tim Russert. Tough thing for him to handle during a performance, but he pulled it off with dignity and grace.
It may sound weird, but I think sudden cardiac death (SCD) is actually God's Gift, one of the kindest ways to go. There is minimal pain, no suffering and you leave in the prime of life. In Tim's case, he just spent a week in Italy with his wife and newly graduated son, celebrating that milestone, then returned and died at work, with people he had worked with for 20 years, doing something he loved. It is too soon, it was a shock, but it was a gentle end.