Sam Rubin, the longtime KTLA entertainment reporter and morning-news anchor, died in Los Angeles on May 10, 2024, aged 64. The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner later determined that he died from ischemic heart disease due to atherosclerotic coronary artery disease; the manner of death was natural.
What caused Sam Rubin’s death?
The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner recorded the cause as ischemic heart disease due to atherosclerotic coronary artery disease and the manner as natural. Rubin arrived at a local hospital with stomach pain on the morning of May 10, 2024, after calling 911 on his doctor’s advice. He was pronounced dead in the emergency room at 11:03 a.m. The medical examiner completed an examination on May 13 and certified the cause on July 9. Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner
Some early reports described his death as a heart attack before the official cause had been determined. The later medical examiner finding is the definitive wording available; it should not be replaced with the earlier description. Early report
Was Sam Rubin an entertainment reporter for NBC’s Today show?
The available reports identify Rubin with KTLA’s morning news and entertainment coverage, not as an NBC Today show reporter. The Associated Press used the phrase “Today Show family” in a reported social-media remembrance, but that wording does not establish that Rubin worked for the NBC program. The headline description is therefore not supported by the available sources. Los Angeles Times Associated Press
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Who was Sam Rubin?
Rubin joined KTLA in 1991 and became a familiar presence on the Los Angeles station’s morning news and entertainment coverage. He spent more than three decades reporting on film, television and the people working in entertainment. KTLA described him as “a giant in the local news industry and the entertainment world, and a fixture of Los Angeles morning television for decades,” according to the Los Angeles Times. Los Angeles Times KTLA statement, quoted by the Los Angeles Times
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Rubin’s final interview and career recognition
His last reported interview was with actor Jane Seymour on Thursday, May 9, 2024, the day before his death. Associated Press
The Television Academy named Rubin the posthumous recipient of the 76th Los Angeles Area Emmy Governors Award. The Academy cited his more than three decades of entertainment reporting for KTLA and noted his Los Angeles Area Emmy Awards, Golden Mike Award and recognition as Best Entertainment Reporter by the Los Angeles Press Club. Television Academy
SAG-AFTRA’s tribute also highlighted Rubin’s decades on KTLA 5 Morning News, his Emmys and Golden Mike, and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Southern California Broadcasters Association. SAG-AFTRA
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