Ed Bradley Dead at Age 65

Long-time 60 Minutes news reporter Ed Bradley died today from complications due to leukemia. He was 65.

The world has lost an "intelligent, smooth, cool, a great reporter, beloved and respected by all his colleagues here at CBS News," said CBS Evening News anchor and managing editor Katie Couric about Ed Bradley.

Ed Bradley's death today at Manhattan's Mount Sinai Hospital in Manhattan came as a surprise to many who were unaware of the anchor's illness.

A 60 Minutes news magazine correspondent for 26 years, Ed Bradley won legions of fans by his calm, intelligent and composed means of reporting. He won 19 Emmys, the final one for coverage of the death of young Emmett Till, who was murdered as the result of a hate crime.

Mike Wallace called Ed Bradley a "reporter's reporter" on CBS News Radio. But not only are colleagues mourning the loss of this great man: Just one hour after the news of Ed Bradley's death broke, fans of the "consummate gentleman" have poured out on the CBS News message boards:

"Condolences to Ed's family and friends. I just spent some time watching Mr. Bradley's stories on the CBS News website. His contributions to journalism will be sadly missed," posted gma64.

JayMack6 remembered Ed Bradley's smooth and even-tempered vocal skills: "I can close my eyes and still hear that wonderful voice," he said. "My family will miss him sorely."

"…Mr. Bradley was one of those people you just expected to be around forever. He was an institution. Such a professional, a class act, and really easy on the eyes throughout his career. I hope his family and friends will read all of these tributes and be comforted, knowing he made great use of his life…" RichCom40 noted.

Another commenter witnessed Ed Bradley's humanism firsthand: "The first time I saw Ed Bradley," BlueNotesb recalled, "he was reporting on Vietnamese who were trying to leave Vietnam on a boat that had too many people and started to sink. Ed was reporting with his back to the water and the people in the boat. People were drowning, and Ed dropped his microphone and went and rescued people."

Pakall remembered the trademark jewelry that tagged Ed Bradley as one cool customer: "I'm going to miss his great news coverage - and that cool earring he sported!"

"Godspeed Ed," Janeu wrote, capturing the sentiment of the news-watching and news-reporting worldwide. "You were always a class act and will be dearly missed. Our deepest sympathy to your family, friends and colleagues."