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Former CNN anchor Aaron Brown, who helped viewers through the Sept. 11 attacks, has died

FILE - CNN news anchor Aaron Brown poses in the network's New York studios in this Oct. 18, 2001 file photo. (AP Photo/Gino Domenico, File) FILE - CNN news anchor Aaron Brown poses in the network's New York studios in this Oct. 18, 2001 file photo. (AP Photo/Gino Domenico, File)

By JIM SALTER and R.J. RICO / Associated Press December 31, 2024 3 min read

Aaron Brown, a veteran television news anchor whose steady hand helped guide CNN viewers through the unfolding tragedy of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks has died.

CNN, citing a statement from Brown’s family, reported that he died Sunday. A cause of death was not given. He was 76.

Brown began his career in Minneapolis as a radio talk show host. His career in TV began in Seattle before he was named the founding anchor of ABC’s “World News Now.” He also anchored “ABC’s World News Tonight Saturday,” and was a reporter for “World News Tonight with Peter Jennings,” “Nightline,” and other ABC news programs.

But it was at CNN where he made a lasting mark — even before he was supposed to be on the air.