Dennis Richmond health issues explored as legendary Bay area news anchor passes away

Legendary San Francisco Bay Area TV news anchor Dennis Richmond passed away on Wednesday, February 5, 2025. According to KTVU, the station where Richmond worked for decades, he was accompanied by his wife, Deborah, when he died in Green Valley, California.

Dennis Richmond, who was 81 at the time of his passing, had suffered a heart attack and fall about two months back. He was visited by his former colleague from KTVU, Julie Haener, who shared some pictures and a clip of Richmond from the hospital. KTVU sportscaster Mark Ibañez and meteorologist Bill Martin accompanied Julie. She also captioned the images with an update,

“I have some news to share about my dear friend and former KTVU co-anchor, Dennis Richmond. Dennis suffered a heart attack and devastating fall last Sunday evening and is now in the hospital fighting to recover.”

Richmond, who was still recovering, also interacted briefly with Julie. However, as of this writing, the Richmond family has yet to reveal the cause and other details about his death.

Besides his recent health problems, Dennis Richmond had also suffered a heart attack while also battling with cancer more than a decade ago, KTVU stated. Following his retirement from the Bay Area TV station in 2008, Richmond had reportedly undergone a successful surgery for prostate cancer. However, not much is known about the legendary news anchor’s other health concerns.

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Former KTVU colleagues pay tributes as Dennis Richmond passes away at 81

After Richmond’s demise, many of his former colleagues paid tributes to the legendary TV news host. KTVU General Manager Mellynda Hartel noted that Richmond had a “strong presence” in the channel’s newsroom. She added how the news anchor guided the team and used to set “high standards for himself and his colleagues.” She concluded,

“His [Richmond’s] impact is still felt in the KTVU newsroom today."

Darren Zulberti, Assistant News Director at the TV station, who shared a mentor-friend dynamic with Richmond, said,

“He always reminded me and those around him to treat the viewer with respect, reporting oftentimes difficult news in uncertain times with clarity, context and straightforward delivery.”

Julie Haener, who visited Richmond two months back in hospital, once again took to her official social media handles to share her pictures with the legendary newsman. Julie also penned an emotional farewell to her former co-anchor,

“Dennis was a mainstay in the Bay Area delivering the news to generations of television viewers throughout his legendary 40 year career at KTVU. I’m honored and filled with gratitude that I had the chance to work by his side for many years on the 6 and 10 O’Clock evening broadcasts.”

She also wrote about sharing “mutual respect, partnership and friendship” with Richmond as they covered the news for the Bay Area audience together. Addressing Dennis Richmond as “utmost professional,” Julie added,

“He set the bar high and inspired all of us around him to get better, work hard and be consistent. Dennis was the voice of calm in stressful situations and I learned so much from him. I will always be grateful for that!”

Julie also mentioned Dennis Richmond’s family, as she concluded,

“The Bay Area has lost one of the best but Dennis, I know, you will never be forgotten! ❤️ My heart goes out to your beautiful wife, Deborah, step-son, daughter, Amber and two grandchildren.”

KTVU journalist Alex Savidge, Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr, and CBS News Bay Area sports director Vern Glenn were among the many who sent their condolences after Richmond’s passing.

Richmond is survived by his wife, daughter, and stepson. He joined KTVU in 1968 and initially served as a clerk, but eventually became a TV news anchor for the station. He worked at the channel for four decades and retired in 2008.