ITV News journalist Emily Morgan has died, the broadcaster has introduced.

She was the channel's well being and science editor - enjoying a key function in its protection of the COVID pandemic - and her profession with the broadcaster spanned greater than 20 years.

She had not too long ago been recognized with lung most cancers, and died on Friday night time, surrounded by her household. She leaves behind two younger daughters.

Andrew Dagnell, editor of ITV Network News, mentioned the organisation was deeply saddened by the demise of such a "remarkable colleague".

"Her reporting was instrumental in exposing the immense pressure and strain that NHS workers were under, and she became a trusted voice for the public during an unprecedented time," Mr Dagnell mentioned.

"Emily's passion for the role was evident in everything she did and her work was a constant reminder of why journalism matters. Her dedication to informing and educating our viewers will continue to inspire all those who were privileged to work alongside her.

"Our ideas are with Emily's household. Emily was proud to be a journalist, however she was much more happy with her household. She adored them. We are sending them our love and help at this unthinkably troublesome time.

"Emily was an exceptional journalist, a devoted mother and wife, and a true trailblazer in our field. Her friendship, her professionalism and her enormous contribution to our industry and to the public conversation will not be forgotten."

Chris Ship, the channel's royal editor, mentioned: "She was such a stupendous particular person and an expensive buddy.

"As Health Editor, Emily was fearless in reporting COVID to the nation in 2020. Talented, kind, full of humanity."

'It is not simple reporting on deaths'

Ms Morgan started her profession as a producer at ITV and was based mostly in Westminster for 5 years.

She had been working till simply two months in the past, along with her final report - on most cancers ready occasions being at an all-time excessive - broadcast on 30 March.

She labored in a variety of roles, together with Wales and West of England Correspondent, Political Correspondent, and Health Editor.

In 2021, Emily mirrored on the challenges overlaying the pandemic saying: "It isn't easy reporting on deaths, especially large numbers. What every death is not, is a statistic. Yet, with so many, the fear is each one gets added in with another and they become a blur of numbers."

But, regardless of being a proficient reporter, she mentioned she wished to be remembered not as a journalist, however as a mom, spouse, sister, daughter, and buddy.

"They are the things that matter," she mentioned.

A 'good journalist' and 'great lady'

After news of her demise was introduced, NHS England paid tribute to Ms Morgan.

"Everyone at NHS England deeply saddened to hear this terrible news," the organisation tweeted.

"Emily was a brilliant journalist whose coverage of COVID in particular was exceptional. She will be hugely missed and our thoughts are with her colleagues, friends and, most of all, her family.

Health secretary Steve Barclay added: "Her exemplary reporting all through the Covid pandemic was an important public service - serving to to maintain folks secure. My ideas are along with her household and buddies presently."

Lucrezia Millarini, a colleague of Ms Morgan, said: "What a privilege to have recognized, laughed with and labored with this glorious lady. I'm so sorry she's gone. Our newsroom and our programmes is not going to be the identical. Every bit of affection to Emily's household. I can not think about their loss proper now."