Veteran ABC newsreader Richard Morecroft has died aged 70 after a battle with cancer.
A spokesperson confirmed the news on his Instagram page on Tuesday evening, saying Morecroft died that day “at a time of his choosing” on the NSW South Coast.
“He was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year and was grateful to go peacefully, with his partner of 36 years, Alison Mackay, beside him,” the statement said.
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“We are devastated to lose such a warm, generous and caring human and hope that all those who knew him, if only through their TV screens, will remember him fondly.”
Morecroft hosted ABC’s 7pm news bulletin from 1983 to 2002. He also hosted Letters and Numbers on SBS and children’s current affairs show Behind the News on ABC.
Hundreds paid tribute to the veteran journalist, remembering him as “one of the most wonderful human beings on the planet” and “kind, generous, warm, selfless and inspiring”.
“My favourite newsreader of all time,” another wrote.
ABC journalist Leigh Sales paid tribute to the “truly lovely, kind, caring and gentle human.”
“I was privileged to call him a friend,” she wrote.
Former ABC presenter Michael Rowland called Morecroft a “superb” newsreader and lovely man.
“My condolences to Richard’s family and friends,” he wrote.
Morecroft was born in 1956 and migrated from England to Adelaide with his family at the age of 10.
After graduating from the University of Adelaide he began working with the ABC, later presenting nightly television bulletins.
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