Jim Avila, Veteran ABC News Correspondent, Dies at 69

Jim Avila, an esteemed ABC News correspondent celebrated for his investigative work, has passed away after enduring a long illness, as announced by the network.

Avila, who was 69, died at home in San Diego on Wednesday, according to his family.

“Jim was a skilled journalist and a generous colleague,” noted ABC News President Armin Karamedovic in a message to staff.

ABC News highlighted that Avila approached his health battles “with courage.”

In 2020, he underwent a kidney transplant, with the organ donated by his brother. He left the network in 2021.

A veteran in the field, Avila dedicated nearly two decades to ABC News as a senior correspondent in Los Angeles, where he reported on politics, justice, and consumer issues. He also contributed to “20/20.”

During President Barack Obama’s second term, from 2012 to 2016, Avila reported from the White House.

In 2015, he was honored with the Merriman Award from the White House Correspondents’ Association for his reports on the resumption of U.S.-Cuba diplomatic relations.

Throughout his career, he provided extensive coverage on significant trials, including those of Jerry Sandusky, Michael Jackson, and O.J. Simpson.

Avila frequently traveled to the southern border to document stories of immigration and covered events like the death of Freddie Gray and subsequent civil unrest in Baltimore.

His work earned him numerous accolades, including two National Emmy Awards, five Edward R. Murrow Awards, and a Cine Golden Eagle Award. He was also named Reporter of the Year by the National Association of Hispanic Journalists in 1999 and received an induction into their Hall of Fame in 2019.

Before joining ABC News in 2004, he worked as an investigative reporter at a local NBC station in Los Angeles, which earned an Emmy Award in 1996 for its coverage of the O.J. Simpson trial.

After leaving ABC News, Avila returned to journalism in 2023 as a senior investigative reporter for ABC affiliate KGTV in San Diego.

When discussing his return to work, he mentioned to the San Diego Times, “Retirement was boring.” He added that he had been to nearly every U.S. state and all continents except Antarctica, while covering various significant events. He expressed a desire to continue making an impact in journalism from San Diego.

Tributes from colleagues and friends began to pour in following his passing.

TV anchor Scott Thoman remarked, “He had great presence and was a true old-school journalist,” on Instagram, adding that Avila’s legacy will endure.

Anchor Frank Buckley stated, “One of the greats in broadcast journalism has passed away.” He shared his deep admiration for Avila’s commitment to journalism, friendship, and family.

Karamedovic extended condolences to Avila’s family, including his three children, and expressed gratitude for his significant contributions to the field.