by Jim Clayborn
A 37-year-old ABC News executive producer described by colleagues as “tireless and vibrant” died “suddenly” of a heart attack Friday, according to the Hollywood Reporter, which cited a memo from the president of the news network.
What are the details?
Dax Tejera was executive producer of the ABC News Sunday public affairs program “This Week,” the Reporter noted.
He is survived by his wife, Veronica, and their two young daughters. Goodwin said in the memo she would be sharing more information in the coming days.
Here’s the Saturday memo to ABC News staff from Kim Godwin, president of the news network, according to the magazine:
ABC News Family,
It’s with a heavy heart and great sadness that we share that our friend and colleague, Dax Tejera passed away suddenly of a heart attack last night.
As EP of “This Week with George Stephanopoulos” Dax’s energy, passion and love for that show, ABC News, and you, shined every Sunday morning. That same love was extended to his precious girls.
Our thoughts are with his wife, Veronica, the couple’s two young daughters, and the entire Tejera family.
If you need immediate support, please call our 24/7EAP support line.
We will share more details in the coming days.On this Christmas Eve, hug your loved ones a little tighter. And please lean on each another.
#oneabcnews
Kim
Congressional correspondent Rachel Scott reported on Tejera’s death and said he “will be deeply missed by all of us here at ABC News”:
The Reporter said Tejera was a veteran news producer at both ABC and NBC News and had led “This Week” — anchored by George Stephanopoulos, Jonathan Karl, and Martha Raddatz — since just before the COVID-19 outbreak.
The magazine added that Tejera joined ABC News in 2017 as a senior producer based in Washington, D.C., and prior to that was executive producer of Jorge Ramos’ program for the ABC-Univision program Fusion and also worked as an MSNBC producer.
The Reporter said Tejera was known for his “competitive spirit, pushing the ‘This Week’ team to become the top Sunday public affairs show.”
Tejera graduated from Dartmouth with a bachelor’s in history before attending Columbia’s Graduate School of Journalism.
Colleagues took to social media to mourn Tejera’s sudden passing and pay tribute to the beloved newsman.
“Sad day for abc. A good friend and groundbreaking ABC executive passes unexpectedly at 37. Dax Tejera i only have good thoughts my friend,” tweeted ABC News senior national correspondent Jim Avila.
“Absolutely tragic for ABC and the news industry,” former CNN chief media correspondent Brian Stelter tweeted.
“Your smile. Your laugh. Your dedication. Your profound love of Veronica and your beautiful daughters. Your pride in your work. The way you looked out for the next generation and fought to pave the way for Latinos coming up. The way you broke barriers yourself,” ABC White House correspondent Cecilia Vega wrote in an Instagram post.
“Dax Tejera, you are gone too soon. We will miss everything about you.”
Some on Twitter speculated if this was another tragic death from the COVID vaccines and/or “boosters,” noting that Tejera was most certainly fully-vaccinated, according to ABC News’ own rules and his travel records.
CONFIRMED:
— DiedSuddenly (@DiedSuddenly_) December 25, 2022
ABC News executive producer
Dax Tejera, 37, #DiedSuddenly of a heart attack.
So sad somewhere out there is a parent planning a funeral for Christmas.
Brought to you by Pfizer: pic.twitter.com/OfTqhyAka4
