A memo from ABC News president David Westin:
I am deeply sorry to report that we lost a beloved colleague today, cameraman Ralph Binder. Ralph was driving with soundman Dan Johnson from Denver to Omaha to cover the mall shooting. They were in an accident on Interstate 80 near Grand Island, Nebraska. According to police, their vehicle swerved to avoid a car that had lost control in front of them. Ralph was killed; Dan was treated and released from the hospital.
Ralph started at ABC News in 1974. Many of us got to know him when he worked in our Washington bureau. Some years ago he moved to Denver, and since then has worked extensively as a freelancer for ABC News. Just last month, Ralph was Charlie’s cameraman during the California wildfires. He was a first-class cameraman but much more, he was a wonderful man. Ralph was married to Joy Wolf, who often works as a freelance producer for ABC News. He was the devoted father of two sons, ages 12 and 9. We will do our utmost to support them in every way and will make sure that Dan gets the care that he needs.
AdvertisementWe will let you know about arrangements as they are made. As terribly sad as this is, it does remind us of the extraordinary work and commitment of so many of our colleagues in the field every day.