Morley Safer Dies One Week After Retiring
In what could be one of the most shocking news this week, it has been confirmed that Morley Safer, the veteran CBS correspondent who has done over 900 reports for "60 Minutes," has passed away just a week after retiring.
According to USA. Today, CBS Corp. confirmed that the 84-year-old news veteran passed away in his Manhattan home on Thursday. There were no other details revealed but the network said "Safer was in declining health." His death came as a shock to many as he only started his first few days of retirement.
Safer's last and final "60 Minutes" report was done in March and a one-hour special was aired on Monday, in honor of his life and career.
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Despite the many recognitions and honors given to Safer for his tenured stay in the news industry, he was someone who didn't expect all the fame and glory. According to CNN, "60 Minutes" executive producer Jeff Fager described Safer as a "humble man who never expects attention."
It is worth noting that Safer once obtained the criticism of then president Lyndon Johnson for his reports in the 1960s, particularly his 1965 film report on the Vietnam War. In the documentary, a marine at Cam Ne is seen setting a hut on fire with a cigarette lighter. Johnson apparently didn't like the idea of Safer's way of exposing the truths of the war and he demanded that CBS censor Safer's accounts. Johnson's efforts in keeping Safer down were in vain.
The Intercept notes that during his Vietnam cover, Safer said he was told by a Pentagon official that reporters who believe the government are "stupid." The Pentagon then warned CBS that Safer may be in danger as Arthur Sylvester, the Pentagon official in question, was tapped to resign.
All throughout his career, Safer has not only visited many countries such as China and Vietnam but he has also become well-known for his curiosity and dedication to journalism.
Safer is survived by his wife, daughter, siblings and three grandchildren. Watch a short clip of CBS' tribute to the legendary news correspondent below.
