KTLA Los Angeles news anchor dies at age 64

Sam Rubin, a veteran entertainment reporter and fixture at local news station KTLA in Los Angeles, has died at the age of 64.

As KTLA opened its 1 p.m. newscast Friday, a group of newsroom anchors announced the devastating news that their colleague had died. His cause of death was unknown.

“The station is filled with great sadness,” said presenter Frank Buckley with tears in his eyes. “(Rubin) was with us yesterday and called in sick. We found out the news this afternoon.”

“We don’t know exactly what happened, but we know it was sudden because he was here yesterday. A little over 24 hours ago we were on this set with him,” Buckley added.

“This is what we know: Sam, he’s gone,” he said.

Need a break? Play the USA TODAY daily crossword puzzle.