All across Australia, fans and media colleagues are paying tribute to veteran newsreader Ian Ross, who has lost his short battle with pancreatic cancer.
The 73 year old, who was a news anchor for both the Nine and Seven networks, passed away in a Queensland hospital overnight.
“Roscoe”, as he was affectionately known, revealed his condition in January, saying he had been diagnosed with the disease after a routine blood test before Christmas last year.
With a media career spanning 50 years, the news of Ross’s death has been widely felt.
On Twitter this morning, journalist Chris Reason broke the news, tweeting that the “legend newsman” had died.
“Ian Ross – over 50 yrs in media, 44 on camera, 38y with nine, 10y on Today, 6y with 7News and went out on top,” he wrote.
Meanwhile, Nine News anchor Peter Overton told the network that Ross would be remembered for his warmth and dignity.
“Roscoe, he’s a fighter, but he lost it today,” Peter said.
“He lost it to that horrible pancreatic cancer, just like (former Nine News journalist) Peter Harvey, who we only inducted into the hall of fame at the Logies a couple of nights ago.”
Seven’s Morning Show co-host, Larry Emdur also paid tribute to the much-loved newsreader, sharing a photo of Ian on his Instagram account with the following comment:
“A wave of deep sadness washes over the TV world this morning. Ian ‘Roscoe’ Ross loses his battle with pancreatic cancer….Very sad day…”
Ian is survived by his partner Gray Bolte, his ex-wife, three children and eight grandchildren.
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