Tom Jarriel, an iconic reporter for ABC News, breathed his last on Thursday at a nursing facility in Annapolis, Maryland. He was 89 years old. His son, Steve, confirmed that his father had suffered a debilitating stroke last year.
Since joining ABC News in 1979, Jarriel captivated audiences for over two decades on the newsmagazine “20/20,” delivering compelling reports on serious global issues. He covered heart-wrenching stories such as the plight of child victims during Mozambique’s civil war and famine-stricken Ethiopia.
His most defining work focused on the tragic conditions of orphans in Romania. He and his producer, Janice Tomlin, uncovered horrifying tales of neglected children living in state-run asylums under severe conditions. “In more than 50 institutions hidden in remote areas of Romania, innocent children are locked away like condemned prisoners,” he reported.
Jarriel's profound stories shed light on abuses that many had never fathomed, often haunting viewers with their raw honesty. The impact of his work continues to resonate throughout the journalistic community, reminding us of the power of storytelling in highlighting important social issues.
