The death of Chris Burrous, the co-anchor of Los Angeles’ “KTLA 5 Morning News,” has left both fans and co-workers stunned and saddened on Friday, with many of them sharing memories of the 43-year-old newsman on social media.
Meteorologist Liberte Chan called Burrous a “master of live television” during her appearance on KTLA’s morning show on Friday.
“I miss him so much,” Chan said. “I’m sorry I don’t have the words to express exactly how I feel but he was more than just a colleague, he was one of my best friends here and I’m just so heartbroken over the loss of him.”
Lynette Romero, who co-hosted the weekend show with Burrous, tweeted on Thursday night that Burrous made her “laugh until I cried. My tears now are for your sweet little girl, your wife Mai and your dear parents. We will miss you so…”
There are no words. When we took this picture during our show I had no idea it would our last time together. You made me laugh until I cried. My tears now are for your sweet little girl, your wife Mai and your dear parents. We will miss you so… pic.twitter.com/nkvtrzHcX3
— Lynette Romero (@LynetteRomero) December 28, 2018
KTLA morning reporter Megan Telles tweeted that Burrous’ “presence,” on-camera confidence and “wit” — which she mentioned twice — set him apart. “I can’t thank you enough for challenging me to take risks on live TV. If I made you laugh, I knew I was doing good work.”
KTLA reporter Christina Pascucci remembered Burrous on Instagram, saying that he could “make a jar of jam the most interesting object in the world.” She added: “Chris, we will do our best to honor you today and always in every assignment, but nobody does it like you.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/Br7ukTfg7FQ/?utm_source=ig_embed
According to a statement from Glendale Police, authorities received a call at 1:14 p.m. PT that Burrous “had possibly overdosed” and was unconscious. He was not breathing when paramedics arrived at a Days Inn, and efforts to revive him failed. He was later pronounced dead at an area hospital.
Glendale detectives are investigating while awaiting a report from the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office on the cause of death. There was no indication that the death was by suicide, Glendale Sgt. Dan Suttles told KTLA. The Coroner’s Office told TheWrap that an autopsy is scheduled for Friday.
Burrous, who joined KTLA in 2011, is survived by his wife, Mai, and 9-year-old daughter, Isabella.
Fans joined the KTLA news team in expressing their sadness. “Heartbreaking. He was one of a king,” tweeted Walter M. Viteri. “Still can’t believe it. Don’t want to believe it.” Brenda Rushforth tweeted she was in “shock” and that Burrous was “a staple” of her weekends. “I felt as if my Saturday could begin once I heard his laugh and snort. I will miss him terribly.”
“I feel like I lost a family member,” Ernie Castro tweeted Thursday night, in reply to KTLA’s announcement.
Thank you Chris for making my family laugh and smile. Your humor and off the wall come backs. Made my weekend mornings fun. From a viewer of KTLA news, to welcoming your news program every morning and late night. I feel like I lost a family member. RIP brother
— ernie castro (@liono227) December 28, 2018
Similar reactions reached well into the hundreds of replies by Friday morning, as more fans learned of Burrous’ death. Several viewers said they were “devastated” by the loss.
https://twitter.com/felicityr123/status/1078684123588251649
I’m heartbroken for his wife,his daughter,for you, Lynette,& all of the KTLA family. You & Chris have been my weekend morning ritual for years.I’ll always remember his kindness when I asked him to take this photo with me. May God embrace all of you with peace. Dios Lo Bendiga. pic.twitter.com/D5lkafHlmi
— LupeJ (@LoopsJ) December 28, 2018
Devastated. Loved watching him cavort with co anchors Lynette and Liberty on the weekend. My heart goes out to Chris' family and KTLA family.
— Marlan Clarke (@Imused) December 28, 2018
https://twitter.com/chanabran/status/1078683041847865344