Tom Jarriel, Esteemed ABC News Journalist, Passes Away at 89

Tom Jarriel's legacy includes 19 Emmy Awards and powerful reporting that highlighted global injustices.

Tom Jarriel, a distinguished journalist renowned for his impactful reporting on ABC News, has passed away at the age of 89 in a nursing home located in Annapolis, Maryland. His son, Steve Jarriel, confirmed the news, revealing that his father suffered from a severe stroke last year.

Joining ABC in 1979, Jarriel became synonymous with the network’s newsmagazine “20/20,” where he reported for 23 years on various critical issues, including civil war in Mozambique and famine in Ethiopia. His stories often highlighted the harsh realities faced by vulnerable populations. “We did not do happy stories together,” remarked Janice Tomlin, his longtime producer, emphasizing the gravity and sincerity of the work they undertook.

Among his most defining work was a series on the dire conditions of orphans in Romania, where children were often kept in deplorable conditions. In startling reports aired in 1990, he described state-run institutions that mistreated children, drawing a grim comparison to historical atrocities. “In more than 50 institutions hidden in remote areas of Romania, innocent children are locked away like condemned prisoners,” he asserted, a sentiment that resonated deeply with viewers globally.

His powerful storytelling and commitment to uncovering truths earned him 19 Emmy Awards, cementing his status as a pivotal figure in broadcast journalism. Tom Jarriel's legacy will continue to inspire journalists to pursue powerful stories that elevate the voices of the marginalized.