Josie Gibson and Rochelle Humes are heartbroken following the unexpected passing of their ITV This Morning colleague, Sam Rubin.
The beloved Hollywood correspondent for This Morning and presenter of Hollywood Uncensored passed away suddenly at 64, it was announced on Friday, 10 May.
Now Sam's apparent 'cause of death' has been revealed with Variety suggesting he suffered a heart attack while working from his home. Despite being rushed to a Los Angeles hospital by ambulance, he tragically did not survive.
The team at This Morning honoured Sam on Friday evening, with the show's official Instagram posting a photo of the late journalist and informing fans: "There will be a tribute to Sam on Monday's show, but in the meantime we send our condolences to his wife Leslie, their four children and Sam's colleagues at KTLA."
Rochelle expressed her sorrow on the post, commenting, "Devastating news. So so sad to hear this. Always the kindest and most generous! Praying for his family and loved ones," while Josie shared her grief with the words: "I love Sam. <3 So sad."
Craig Doyle also paid his respects, writing: "So very sorry to hear this awful news, a true gentleman and a brilliant broadcaster...loved our chats. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam.", reports the Mirror.
The This Morning account stated: "We have very heavy hearts this weekend with the news from Los Angeles that our Hollywood reporter Sam Rubin has died at the age of 64. Sam was an Emmy winning entertainment correspondent and presenter for Los Angeles' No 1 morning show on KTLA, and regularly broadcast live into This Morning."
"He woke up Tinseltown every day for decades with his likeable charm and knowledgeable take on the movie world, he was on first name terms with the stars and became affectionately known as ' Hollywood Sam'. We will miss him. There will be a tribute to Sam on Monday's show, but in the meantime we send our condolences to his wife Leslie, their four children and Sam's colleagues at KTLA."
KTLA also confirmed Sam's passing on their website, stating: "KTLA 5 is profoundly saddened to report the death of Sam Rubin. Sam was a giant in the local news industry and the entertainment world, and a fixture of Los Angeles morning television for decades."
In a tribute, the network added: "His laugh, charm and caring personality touched all who knew him. Sam was a loving husband and father: the roles he cherished the most. Our thoughts are with Sam's family during this difficult time."
In addition to his work on KTLA, Rubin was also a beloved figure on This Morning. Broadcasting straight from Tinseltown, he dished out the latest insider gossip and Hollywood news.
His last appearance on This Morning was in 2018, where he chatted with hosts Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford about the hottest Hollywood happenings.
Tributes have been pouring in for Sam on social media after the shocking news of his death. Lisa Dent from 720 WGN tweeted: "Sam Rubin @SamOnTV had a heart attack and could not be saved. I'm heartbroken. He was a member of my radio show family, joining us a few times a week. Finding out live on the prompted some serious sobbing. My heartfelt condolences to his beloved family. Godspeed Sam."
A heartbroken fan wrote: "Sad to hear that Sam Rubin of KTLA has passed suddenly from a heart attack. I loved his reporting. He was such a sweet, fun, nice guy. Condolences for his family."
And publicist Jamie Gruttemeyer Symonds told Variety: "I feel like everyone is going to feel like they lost a family friend."
On Thursday, Sam was seen on air for KTLA, where he has been a staple since 1991, winning multiple Emmys and a Golden Mike award over the years. Also famed for his show Hollywood Uncensored with Sam Rubin, which aired over 100 episodes, he's been honoured with a lifetime achievement award by the Southern California Broadcasters Association.
He is survived by his wife, Leslie Gale Shuman, whom he married in 2007, and their two children. Sam was previously married to Julie Anderson from 1988 to 2006, and they also share two children.
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