A prominent North-East journalist has died suddenly at the age of 41 after collapsing at his home last night.
Ian Laws, digital editor at the Sunderland Echo, died while exercising on a running machine leaving newsroom colleagues in shock.
A father-of-three, Ian started work at the Echo in 1995 as a reporter and had previously worked at the Shields Gazette and the Scarborough Evening News.
Editor Rob Lawson, who received a call from a friend informing him of the news, said everybody on the newspaper was shocked and devastated.
Ian with children James and Millie
Said Rob: “He was a popular member of staff with a wicked sense of humour. He would sit there with a wry smile on his face and then would come out with a one-liner.
“He was a talented writer covering boxing and other sport. He was also a big music fan and knew the local music scene well and had a review in last night’s paper.”
Ian was also well known in the local area for his coverage of Sunderland Football Club.
Added Rob: “He got the job he always wanted as the Sunderland writer. He did that up until September 2010 and then became digital editor.”
Shortly before his death Ian had been out playing football and shopping.
He collapsed while using on a running machine at home and died shortly afterwards. His wife Kelly, who is a nurse, had tried to resuscitate him using CPR.
Sports editor at the Echo’s sister title the Hartlepool Mail Roy Kelly, who worked closely with Ian, said: “We were all very shocked to hear about Ian’s death.
“He was a first-class journalist, and a well-respected guy. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues at this sad time.”
Shields Gazette editor John Szymanski said: “I first met Ian when we worked together at the Scarborough Evening News in the early 1990s, where he quickly established himself as an excellent news reporter.
“While on that paper, I remember Sunderland won city status and he told everyone in the newsroom, showed us the story – he was so proud and positively beamed.
“He returned to the North East, which he genuinely loved, for a job at the Gazette and then landed his dream job – covering the football team he passionately supported.
“I also know he adored his children and my heart goes out to them for losing such a fantastic and loving dad at such a tragically young age.”
Ian leaves behind Kelly and their three children Lauren, James and Millie.
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RIP Lawsy. You were one of the best. Difficult to take this news in.
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So tragic. I worked as a sports reporter at Scarborough when Ian was there and I remember him as a top reporter and a top bloke.
My thoughts are with his family and friends.
R.I.P.
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Such a shock. I got to know Ian through colleagues at Scarborough and he was a great bloke to share a pint and a laugh with.
My thoughts are with Kelly and the children.
RIP
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I didn’t know Ian but as an exiled Sunderland reporter eagerly read all of his match reports and club copy online.
Can’t believe he’s died at such a tragically young age.
My heart goes out to his family and friends, they must be truly devastated.
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Terrible news, condolances to his family. He was a fine reporter at Scarborough, always full of fun, and I remember how delighted he was to get a job in Sunderland covering his beloved team. RIP
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No words can express my sadness at this terrible news. Ian truly was one in a million and I am extremely lucky to have had the chance to work with such a wonderful man and talented journalist. He brightened the newsroom with his huge smile and sharp wit. My thoughts and love to Kelly, their children and Ian’s family at this sad time.
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Still trying to take in this terrible news……so wrong. My heart goes out to Ian’s wife and children. So very sorry that I can’t be there to say goodbye Ian. I will always have such great memories. A true gentleman and treasure.
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Such sad news.
I worked with Ian at Scarborough years ago and, me being a Boro supporter, it was always good, friendly banter.
Our feelings go out to Ian’s family.
A smashing lad, Ian will be very sadly missed.
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Shocked to find out Ian has died. I got to know him from my time as a sports writer covering Sunderland over the last seven years and at the odd gig. He was just as big a music fan as a football supporter. His colleague, Graeme Anderson, has written a fitting tribute to his friend and I don’t think I can add anything to what Graeme has already written. He has perfectly captured the man I came to know and respect. He was a fine writer, father, husband and friend. You’ll be sadly missed Ian.
http://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/sunderland-afc/chris-young-column/farewell_to_a_friend_a_tribute_to_ian_laws_1_4193058
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