**Throughout his 37-year career at ABC News, Jarriel was acclaimed for his hard-hitting stories, especially on '20/20,' and received numerous accolades for his work.**
**Remembering Tom Jarriel: Iconic ABC News Reporter Dies at 89**
**Remembering Tom Jarriel: Iconic ABC News Reporter Dies at 89**
**Tom Jarriel, a beloved journalist known for his impactful reporting, has passed away, leaving a legacy in broadcast journalism.**
Tom Jarriel, the esteemed ABC News reporter, passed away at the age of 89 on Thursday at a nursing facility in Annapolis, Maryland. He had a prolific career spanning 37 years with the network, during which he became widely known as a correspondent for the acclaimed newsmagazine "20/20," as well as serving as the network's White House correspondent and a weekend news anchor. His death was confirmed by his son, Steve, after a debilitating stroke that he suffered last year.
Joining ABC News in 1978, Jarriel's impactful reporting began a year later when he became a part of the team at "20/20," a position he held for 23 years. Throughout his career, Jarriel covered profound global issues and tragedies, reporting on topics ranging from the civil war in Mozambique to the devastating famine in Ethiopia. Colleagues remember him for seeking out stories that highlighted critical humanitarian crises rather than more uplifting narratives.
One of Jarriel's most significant contributions was his extensive reporting on the plight of orphans in Romania during the early 1990s, which he described as a defining series of his career. Alongside longtime producer Janice Tomlin, Jarriel exposed the inhumane conditions prevailing in state-run orphanages. They released shocking reports that revealed children being kept in appalling conditions, enduring extreme neglect and abuse. Through these reports, Jarriel underscored the urgent need for reform and compassion toward vulnerable populations.
Reflecting on his impactful work, Tomlin stated, "We found children in cages, with their heads shaved... It was like Auschwitz." Their harrowing coverage drew attention to the suffering of these children, shining a powerful light on human rights abuses that were previously hidden from public view.
Tom Jarriel's dedication to journalism and commitment to uncovering the truth have left an indelible mark on the field and will be remembered by audiences and colleagues alike. His legacy as a storyteller who bravely covered the troubling realities of the world remains a poignant reminder of the role journalists play in society.
Joining ABC News in 1978, Jarriel's impactful reporting began a year later when he became a part of the team at "20/20," a position he held for 23 years. Throughout his career, Jarriel covered profound global issues and tragedies, reporting on topics ranging from the civil war in Mozambique to the devastating famine in Ethiopia. Colleagues remember him for seeking out stories that highlighted critical humanitarian crises rather than more uplifting narratives.
One of Jarriel's most significant contributions was his extensive reporting on the plight of orphans in Romania during the early 1990s, which he described as a defining series of his career. Alongside longtime producer Janice Tomlin, Jarriel exposed the inhumane conditions prevailing in state-run orphanages. They released shocking reports that revealed children being kept in appalling conditions, enduring extreme neglect and abuse. Through these reports, Jarriel underscored the urgent need for reform and compassion toward vulnerable populations.
Reflecting on his impactful work, Tomlin stated, "We found children in cages, with their heads shaved... It was like Auschwitz." Their harrowing coverage drew attention to the suffering of these children, shining a powerful light on human rights abuses that were previously hidden from public view.
Tom Jarriel's dedication to journalism and commitment to uncovering the truth have left an indelible mark on the field and will be remembered by audiences and colleagues alike. His legacy as a storyteller who bravely covered the troubling realities of the world remains a poignant reminder of the role journalists play in society.
