Long-standing television presenter Dermot Murnaghan has died at the age of 68 after a battle with prostate cancer. His family confirmed that the dad-of-four anchor passed away at his home in North London on Saturday, July 11, with his family at his side.
Family Statement Confirms Passing
In a statement published to his X account, his family said: "It is with great sadness that the family of Dermot Murnaghan announces that he passed away at home in North London earlier this morning (July 11) at the age of 68 following a period of illness with prostate cancer. He died peacefully with his family at his side."
The family also expressed gratitude to the medical teams who cared for Murnaghan with "sensitivity and extraordinary compassion" throughout his illness. They acknowledged the many kind messages of goodwill he received since his diagnosis of stage four prostate cancer last year and his subsequent campaigning to raise awareness for screening programmes.
Funeral and Memorial Arrangements
"In accordance with his wishes, the funeral will be a small family ceremony," the statement continued. "A memorial service for friends and colleagues will follow at St Bride’s Church, Fleet Street (the Journalists’ Church) later this year."
The family requested that anyone wishing to remember him consider supporting Prostate Cancer UK, Prostate Cancer Research, and North London Hospice, so that others may benefit from the research and care he received.
Career Highlights
Murnaghan was a long-term news presenter, known for his 15-year tenure as a lead anchor for Sky News. Over his five-decade career as a journalist and broadcaster, he presented Channel 4 news, as well as flagship programmes such as the ITV Evening News and the BBC News at Six and Ten.
Advocacy After Diagnosis
Murnaghan announced his "incurable but it’s not untreatable" prostate cancer diagnosis last year. Following this, he became a vocal advocate and campaigner in raising awareness for the disease, urging men to get screened and highlighting the importance of early detection.
