Bruce Johnson, a retired news anchor from Washington D.C.’s WUSA9, has died, according to WUSA9. He was 71.

According to the news station, Bruce died from heart failure in Delaware.

In a tribute video to the former anchor, WUSA 9 shared that he retired from the station in December of 2020 after 44 years dedicated to amplifying local stories in the District.

Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser remembered Johnson in a tweet writing, “Bruce Johnson was a giant of DC journalism, a father, grandfather, husband, & proud author. Like many Washingtonians, he’s been a part of my life since I was a little girl, delivering the news and giving voice to DC residents. I’m heartbroken. Rest In Heaven.”

Bruce Johnson was a giant of DC journalism, a father, grandfather, husband, & proud author. Like many Washingtonians, he’s been a part of my life since I was a little girl, delivering the news and giving voice to DC residents. I’m heartbroken. Rest In Heaven. pic.twitter.com/Z9FgHcMXbv

— Mayor Muriel Bowser (@MayorBowser) April 4, 2022