Brian Hutton was an accomplished journalist who worked across many different mediums, including radio, television, and print. He had a successful career that spanned several decades and was respected in the journalism community. Unfortunately, he passed away in 2023 at the age of 46. In this article, we will discuss how journalist Brian Hutton died and explore his life and legacy as a pioneering journalist. We will also look at his awards and accolades for his outstanding work throughout his career.
Famed Journalist Unexpectedly Dies at Age 46
The death of esteemed journalist Brian Hutton has been described as “a tragedy for his family and a huge loss to journalism.”
The writer, born in Derry and regarded as a “master of the reporter’s craft,” is believed to have died abruptly on New Year’s Eve after falling ill at the age of 46.
Hutton’s passing left a massive void in journalism, and his memory continues to live on through those who knew him best.
Beginning his career with the Belfast Telegraph, he later worked for the Daily Mirror, covering the northwest, and served as the Press Association’s deputy news editor for nearly a decade.
He was a former freelance journalist for The Irish Times and co-founder and co-director of the independent radio station Old Yard Productions.
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His friend Johnny Henderson stated that Brian had walked around the Buncrana back coast the morning before he passed away. He said that,
“Little did we know as we set out from the Stone Jug on Saturday morning for a walk along your beloved Lough Swilly, you were in your final hours. As fine a man and as great a friend as you will ever find. Brian, we’ll miss you for the rest of our days,”
His cousin Laura Hutton, the Deputy Picture Editor at The Irish Times, described him as an inspiration and a “big bro.”
“Brian gave me Prince, The Stone Roses, the three chords anyone needs, and encouraged me to study photography. He had the skill of getting you to tell him things you didn’t want to: a born journalist and a great mucker. We’re broken,” she declared.
Honoring the Contributions of Renowned Journalist Brian Hutton
His passing has left his peers in shock and grief. The Northern Editor of the Irish Times, Freya McClements, praised him as the “best of journalists, colleagues, and friends.”
Mary Minihan, a reporter for the Irish Times who was born in Derry, remarked, “So very hard to comprehend the loss of such a great colleague, friend, and good-humored Derry man. Thoughts with his family. Brian was the best of us. RIP.”
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The Political Correspondent for the Sunday Times, Aoife Moore, expressed sadness at Mr. Hutton’s premature death, remarking that he was ‘so generous with his time and a great journalist.’
Niall Carson, a photojournalist for the Pennsylvanian, said, “Anyone who knew Brian was enriched by his company. He was my friend, colleague, boss, and in-law. We are all in shock at his sudden passing.”
The Irish Secretary of the National Union of Journalists, Seamus Dooley, was shocked and grieved to read of Brian Hutton’s passing,‘ calling him a ‘journalist of empathy and honesty.’
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He expressed his sympathies to Mr. Hutton’s family, friends, and coworkers by stating that he was a consummate professional who was always a pleasure to meet.
The editor-in-chief of PA Ireland, David Young, described him as “a terrific journalist and a great man,” adding that he was “glad to have counted Brian as a friend and colleague.”