*NBC News Chairman Andy Lack confirmed on Friday that a longtime employee of NBC News died Thursday after testing positive for the coronavirus.
In an email to staff members, Lack noted that audio technician Larry Edgeworth, 61, “suffered from other health issues that led him to succumb to the illness”
Edgeworth worked in an equipment room at NBC News’ 30 Rockefeller Plaza headquarters in New York for 25 years and Lack said he was a “longtime member of our NBC News family.”
“As we have heard from medical professionals, those with underlying health concerns are sadly the most vulnerable,” Lack wrote Friday morning, NBC News reports.
“Many of you were fortunate enough to work with Larry over the years, so you know that he was the guy you wanted by your side no matter where you were,” he said.
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Devastated. Larry was the guy. This was my DUDE in Sanford covering Trayvon’s murder & in so many places traveling to cover stories for @MSNBC. Just a lovable, hilarious, brilliant guy. Take coronavirus seriously please and damn that virus to Hell. https://t.co/i0f32d9sC8
— Joy Reid (@JoyAnnReid) March 20, 2020
This one really hurts. I worked with Larry for a few years in the field, and after we both had health scares, every time we saw each other we’d talk about staying alive for our families. He was a really good Brother. Damn. https://t.co/fZkOaRk9Ed
— Trymaine Lee (@trymainelee) March 20, 2020
The man on the left is Larry Edgeworth. I met him as the sound tech on our team that covered the Romney campaign in 2012. He called me “slim,” and helped me put together my first resume tape. He was SO proud of his kids. He was hilarious. Yesterday he lost his fight with COVID-19 pic.twitter.com/73D93utgPX
— Garrett Haake (@GarrettHaake) March 20, 2020
Stacy Brady, NBCUniversal’s executive vice president of field and production operations, “says he was known as the ‘gentle giant who would give you the shirt off his back,'” Lack added.
In a tribute on Instagram, “TODAY” co-anchor Savannah Guthrie said her “heart breaks” after learning Edgeworth died.
Several NBC News employees remembered him in touching posts on Twitter.
“Larry was a gentle bear of a man, the heart and soul of our extended NBC family,” said Andrea Mitchell, NBC News’ chief foreign affairs correspondent. “I was always cheered and reassured knowing he was on the team in the field. He always had my back whether here in the U.S. or in the most dangerous situations around the world.”
Edgeworth is survived by his wife and two sons.
“We are doing everything we can to support his family during this very difficult time,” Lack wrote.
News of his death comes after “TODAY” show hosts Craig Melvin and Al Roker began broadcasting from home as a precaution following confirmation that at least two other NBC News employees have tested positive for the coronavirus.
“We are fully supporting our colleague, who is experiencing mild symptoms and receiving medical care, and I know you join me in sending our very best for a quick recovery,” NBC News President Noah Oppenheim said in a statement Monday.
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