Fox News Flash top headlines for August 9
Fox News Flash top headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com.
Founding Fox News Channel anchor Uma Pemmaraju has died at age 64.
Pemmaraju was on the air when Fox News launched on Oct. 7, 1996. At the time, Pemmaraju was one of the only Indian-American anchors to reach national prominence, and she was beloved by viewers and Fox News colleagues alike.
"We are deeply saddened by the death of Uma Pemmaraju, who was one of FOX News Channel’s founding anchors and was on the air the day we launched. Uma was an incredibly talented journalist as well as a warm and lovely person, best known for her kindness to everyone she worked with. We extend our heartfelt condolences to her entire family," FOX News Media CEO Suzanne Scott said.
Pemmaraju's daughter Kirina released a statement, telling Fox News, "The sudden death of my mother, Uma Pemmaraju, has been deeply devastating and incredibly shocking and unexpected. She was a light who brought so much compassion and inspiration to those around her. Journalism truly defined who my mother was. We thank you for your continued kindness, support, and privacy during this unimaginable time."
A cause of death was not immediately made public.
Original Fox News host Uma Pemmaraju has died at the age of 64.
BOB BECKEL, FORMER CO-HOST OF ‘THE FIVE,’ DEAD AT 73
Pemmaraju first anchored "Fox News Now" and "Fox On Trends." She left the network but rejoined in 2003 as an anchor and substitute host across the network. She also hosted the Sunday edition of "FOX News Live," anchored "The Fox Report" and interviewed newsmakers, celebrities and political figures from all walks of life, including a memorable sit-down with the Dalai Lama.
Pemmaraju also hosted a variety of specials for Fox News, such as "A Special for Young People," which features top newsmakers offering advice on life challenges to young adults. In 2012, Pemmaraju was surprised on Mother’s Day when her daughter appeared live on-air during a Fox News segment.
FOX NEWS CELEBRATES 25 YEARS SINCE RUPERT MURDOCH’S VISION DEBUTED ON AIR
FOX NEWS CHANNEL CELEBRATES 25 YEARS ON THE AIR
The award-winning anchor was born in India, raised in Texas and honed her craft at local stations in Dallas, Baltimore and WBZ-TV in Boston, before relocating to New York to help launch Fox News Channel. Her family told WBZ-TV’s David Wade she was a "noble soul and pioneer."
Pemmaraju was named "Boston’s Best Anchor" in 1996 and 1997 by Boston Magazine and received several Emmy awards throughout her career for reporting and investigative journalism. She was named one of Spotlight Magazine's "20 Intriguing Women of 1998." Pemmaraju also won the Texas AP award for reporting in 2002, the Woman of Achievement award from the Big Sisters Organization of America and the Matrix Award from Women in Communications.
Aside from her decorated television career, Pemmaraju served as a reporter for the San Antonio Express News and taught journalism at Emerson College and Harvard University.
Pemmaraju received her degree in political science from Trinity University in Texas.
This is a developing story, more to come…
GET THE FOX NEWS APP BY CLICKING HERE
Fox News’ Jay Soroko and David Rutz contributed to this report.
Fox News First
Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox.
By entering your email and clicking the Subscribe button, you agree to the Fox News Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, and agree to receive content and promotional communications from Fox News. You understand that you can opt-out at any time.