ABC News producer Bob Lange died yesterday after suffering a heart attack while out jogging near his home.
Lange joined ABC News in 1981 as a consumer investigative producer for “20/20.” He left, for a time, going to CBS News and working on “60 Minutes” and “48 Hours.” He returned to ABC News and has been working on as senior broadcast producer for all of ABC’s newsmagazines including as co-E.P. of “What Would You Do?”
ABC News president David Westin writes of Lange, a husband and a father of three, “He pushed for perfection, but also was known as a caring person who wanted to use his craft to change the world for the better.”
Westin’s note to the staff, after the jump…
From: Westin, David L.
Sent: Monday, April 06, 2009 9:17 AM
To: #ABCTV News ALL
Cc: Sweeney, Anne X.
Subject: Bob Lange
I am very sorry to report that our friend and colleague, Bob Lange, passed away yesterday after suffering a heart attack while out running near his home.
Bob originally joined ABC News in 1981 as a consumer investigative producer working with John Stossel on “20/20.” He then left us for a time, working for “60 Minutes” and as a senior producer at “48 Hours.” Phyllis McGrady persuaded him to return to us as her senior producer on “Primetime Live.” Most recently, Bob has been senior broadcast producer for David Sloan, working on all the newsmagazines and serving as David’s deputy. And, he served as co-Executive Producer for “What Would You Do?,” which recently concluded its current season.
In his quiet, determined way, Bob guided some of the most powerful and creative programming aired in primetime during his tenure. He was a consummate reporter, writer, and producer. He was a gifted story-teller. Time and again we turned to Bob when we were most in need. He led us through some difficult challenges and led us to do some of our most distinguished work.
Bob was beloved by the staff with whom he worked because he was an unselfish teacher and mentor. He pushed for perfection, but also was known as a caring person who wanted to use his craft to change the world for the better. His office was always filled with people talking about their stories and ideas. The void he leaves cannot be filled.
Bob was a loving father to his daughter, Emily, and his twin sons, David and Michael. Together with his wife, Lisa, they will need all of our thoughts and prayers in the days to come.
As arrangements are made, we will keep you informed.