Tim Russert suddenly passed away Friday afternoon while working for NBC in the Washington DC office.  Russert was a huge figure in politics and journalism and was host of Meet the Press for 17 years.

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Russert worked for NBC News and its affiliates in several capacities during his tenure.  He was chief of the Washington DC bureau, he moderated presidential and vice presidential debates and hosted many TV shows.  MSNBC writes a long and detailed obituary on his life. 

Russert’s autopsy showed he had an enlarged heart and a blood clot that ruptured, causing him a heart attack.  He was 58 years old.  He leaves behind a wife and a son who just graduated from Boston College.   RIP.

Photos: PR Photo