Chris Burrous, a weekend news anchor at Los Angeles TV station KTLA and a former Fresno newsman, has died.
Glendale police say the 43-year-old Burrous was not breathing when paramedics were called to a Days Inn on Thursday and he was pronounced dead at a hospital. His death is being investigated as a possible overdose, Glendale police said in a news release. Police further stated there was no indication of suicide.
Burrous came to KTLA in 2011 after 14 years as a reporter and anchor at various stations, primarily in the Central Valley, as well as at WPIX in New York City.
He spent three years in Fresno as the morning anchor for CBS affiliate KGPE-47. Former KSEE-24 anchor/reporter Zara Arboleda tweeted her memories of Burrous.
OMG. Lots of Fresno newsies are in shock. Chris worked at @CBS47 for years…when I was across the street at 24. I’ll never forget him. He was quite the character when we’d run into each other in the field. 43 years old. With a young daughter. So very sad. https://t.co/m8gTNb0HJI
KTLA President and General Manager Don Corsini and News Director Jason Ball said in a statement that Burrous “brought a kindness to his work” and will be remembered as “a great journalist and a wonderful friend to many.” You can view KTLA’s tribute to Burrous at this link.
City News Service reported that his weekend “Burrous’ Bites” segments, which featured the best hole-in-the-wall eateries in Southern California, were a viewer favorite.
Burrous is survived by his wife, Mai Do-Burrous, and 9-year-old daughter Isabella.
His KTLA weekend co-anchor, Lynette Romero, tweeted a picture taken Dec. 16.
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
