Once-Popular News Anchors Who Sadly Died

With his dapper demeanor, complete with slicked back hair and impeccable suits, KTLA's Chris Burrous harked back to the news anchors of yore. He was known for his much loved "Burrous Bites" segments in which he enthusiastically sampled the cuisine of local restaurants.

In 2018, just two days after Christmas, Burrous was found dead in a motel room in California. He was 43. It was later determined that he died of drug intoxication following a sexual encounter with a man, whom he'd met on the popular dating app Grindr. Tributes poured in following his untimely death, with colleagues commending his versatility and relatability as a news anchor. "What Chris Burrous did was connect — with all of us, every day ... A large community is in mourning tonight," tweeted KTLA's Sam Rubin.

Following his death, his wife set up a GoFundMe to help raise money for funeral expenses. "The Big Bang Theory" star Kunal Nayyar donated $5,000 to the fundraiser. At Burrous' funeral, his daughter Isabella, then aged nine, paid a moving tribute to him. "In my heart, he's still there and alive and I hope he is for all of you, too," she said, per KTLA. Burrous' colleague, Wendy Burch, comforted Isabella with tales of her father's unwavering commitment to his craft, which endeared the public towards the popular anchor. "I think that was your dad's gift — he could take just this tiny, tiny, little story and make it so interesting for all of us," Burch reflected.

If you or anyone you know needs help with addiction issues, help is available. Visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website or contact SAMHSA's National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).