Mark Shields Cause of Death Tragic: Famed Columnist Dead at 85
Mark Shields, who famously served the "PBS NewsHour" for decades, died. He was 85.
A spokesperson for the "PBS NewsHour" delivered the tragic news through The Hollywood Reporter, saying that Shields died at his Chevy Chase, Maryland home.
Meanwhile, anchor and managing editor of NewsHour Judy Woodruff also confirmed his passing on Twitter.
"I am heartbroken to share this..the @NewsHour's beloved long-time Friday night analyst Mark Shields, who for decades wowed us with his encyclopedic knowledge of American politics, his sense of humor and mainly his big heart, has passed away at 85, with his wife Anne at his side," her announcement said.
Woodruff did not reveal Mark Shields' cause of death. But the spokesperson disclosed that he died of kidney failure.
The American Kidney Fund explains that kidney failure - especially end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) - cannot be reversed. It is also fatal if left untreated. Patients diagnosed with the condition can undergo dialysis or kidney transplant to lengthen their lives.
His family is yet to directly address the event. But companies he once worked with, colleagues, and supporters paid tribute to him after his death.
Mark Shields Receives Love From the Industry
Shields worked on the "PBS NewsHour" starting in 1987 and ended his stint in December 2020. But aside from that program, he also had a regular presence on CNN shows, including the discussion program "Capital Gang" from 1988 to 2005.
The former executive producer of the show, Rick Davis, issued a statement to recall Shields' contributions to the company.
"We at CNN were so fortunate to work with such a kind, brilliant, funny man who was the same person to the powerful politicians as he was to the youngest staffer on our team," he said.
Mark Shields was a kind, hilarious and generous human. He knew everything there was to know about American politics and could name pretty much every college’s mascot, even the most obscure. He was an original. I loved my time working with him; he’ll be truly missed. pic.twitter.com/i8tiSwWGNw
— Rachel Wellford (@rachelwellford) June 18, 2022
Before becoming a columnist, he originally worked for local and national democratic political campaigns in the country.
READ ALSO: Amber Heard Trying To Get Sued Again? Experts, Johnny Depp's Fans Send Warning!
He then began his career in 1979, starting as a columnist for The Washington Post.
After his tenure on "PBS NewsHour," he started working with David Brooks and launched their analysis and commentary weekly segment, "Shield & Brooks."
On top of these, Shields worked as a regular panelist on "Inside Washington" and wrote his 1984 account, "On the Campaign Trail."
READ MORE: NASCAR Driver Clint Bowyer Killed a Pedestrian in Tragic, Deadly Crash [REPORT]
