According to the Los Angeles Department of Medical Examiner, anchor and entertainment reporter Sam Rubin died naturally from ischemic heart disease due to atherosclerotic coronary artery disease. This condition leads to a lethal heartbeat caused by a lack of blood and oxygen flowing to the heart. The American Heart Association explains that ischemic heart disease occurs when narrowed arteries reduce the blood and oxygen supply to the heart muscle.
“Mr. Rubin arrived at a local hospital with stomach pain the morning of May 10 after calling 9-1-1 as advised by his doctor,” stated the medical examiner’s office in a press release. “He was later pronounced dead in the emergency room.”
News of Rubin’s death was first reported by TMZ on May 10, revealing that the KTLA reporter had suffered a heart attack. Rubin had been a beloved figure at the network since 1991. Following his passing, numerous celebrities, including Henry Winkler, Cheryl Burke, and Jerry O’Connell, called into KTLA to pay tribute to him.
“KTLA 5 is profoundly saddened to report the death of Sam Rubin,” the channel announced on X (formerly Twitter). “Sam was a giant in the local news industry and the entertainment world and a fixture of Los Angeles morning television for decades. His laugh, charm, and caring personality touched all who knew him. Sam was a loving husband and father: the roles he cherished the most. Our thoughts are with Sam’s family during this difficult time.”
Rubin’s contributions to local news and entertainment reporting made him a cherished presence on Los Angeles morning television. His passing leaves a significant void in the industry and among those who knew and loved him.