PHOTOS: Bruce Johnson dies of heart attack at 71

Bruce Johnson, a beloved longtime WUSA9 anchor, died of a heart attack Sunday morning in Delaware at the age of 71. WUSA9 will honor Bruce all week, starting with a photo gallery of some tributes to Bruce.

Courtesy Mayor Muriel Bowser

"Bruce Johnson was a giant of DC journalism, a father, grandfather, husband, & proud author. Like many Washingtonians, he’s been a part of my life since I was a little girl, delivering the news and giving voice to DC residents. I’m heartbroken. Rest In Heaven."

WUSA

Bruce Johnson: Celebrating 44 Years of Journalism Excellence

Courtesy Lesli Foster

"To one of the most generous and exquisite humans I’ve ever had the opportunity to know and love. There will never be another. Thank God for you, BJ. The lessons, laughter & leadership. Lifting up with love Lori, Brandon, Shanna, Carolyn & your precious grands. Forever in our ❤️"

Bill Cockshott

"In spring of 1988 I spent 3 weeks in Tokyo with Bruce Johnson shooting a documentary on Capitals of the World… Unforgettable, 40 yrs working with him at WUSA… Priceless!"

Courtesy Ellen Bryan

"For a legend so big, Bruce never made you feel small or unimportant. He took his bright light and pointed it at all of us to lift us up too. What a heartbreaking loss. Rest In Peace, Bruce."

Courtesy Moses T Alexander Greene

"Hearing the news moments ago instantly brought me back to my days as part of the mayor's communications team (circa 2005). Always professional. Thoughtful. Intellectual. Kind. Diligent to get the answers for his audience. You made me proud to be Black man in communications and media. Thank you for your example. Rest in peace, Sir."

Courtesy Roberta Petterson

"A lot of broken hearts in DC and across the country today for Bruce Johnson. It was an honor to know him, learn from him and laugh with him. My heart goes out to his beautiful family and the WUSA9 family. There is so much love for a brave and bold man unlike any other."

Courtesy Debra Alfarone

'He was my mentor, my co-anchor, my biggest cheerleader, my ear to bend, my dating coach (when I was single) and my friend. Rest in power, Bruce Johnson. There'll never be another like you."

Courtesy Spencer Neichter

WUSA

Bruce Johnson reported on former DC Mayor Marion Barry during his 44 year career

Courtesy Adam Longo

I can’t believe we’ve lost my friend and former coworker Bruce Johnson. He inspired everyone around him to reach farther and push harder. Bruce leaves behind an incredible roadmap on how to excel as a reporter."

Courtesy Sharla McBride

"I am in shock. I was starstruck the moment I met you & it was a honor to work alongside you. I learned so much from you. Thank you for being YOU. RIP"

Courtesy Brandon Todd

"Saddened to learn of the passing of my fraternity brother, friend, mentor, an incredible journalist, husband, and father. Bruce Johnson was so much to so many and will truly be missed. He has left an indelible mark on our city. The photo was taken when I presented him with a ceremonial resolution acknowledging his many contributions. My most sincere condolences to Mrs. Lori Smith-Johnson and the Johnson family."

Courtesy Tom Hunsicker

"Absolutely gutted learning of the passing of Bruce Johnson. For so many of us at WUSA9 over the years, Bruce was a mentor, a colleague, and a friend. He will be deeply missed."

Courtesy Becca Knier

"We worked together once, Bruce. Just once. The Washington Nationals parade, November 2019. You greeted me at 7am with “Is this what has to happen for us to work together?” as if this was a special occasion for you. In reality, the pleasure was all mine. After years with WUSA, I was finally getting to work with the great Bruce Johnson. It breaks my heart to have to refer to you now as the Late Great Bruce Johnson. Rest In Peace, Love, and Power, my friend. Your WUSA9 family will miss you so much. 💔"

Courtesy Jeff Ackermann

"I’m waking up with a heavy heart this morning. Gutted and absolutely shocked. I learned so much from working with Bruce Johnson. He was a true legend and made all of us better. RIP, my friend 💔 Our @wusa9 family won’t be the same."

Oprah Winfrey and WUSA9's Bruce Johnson

Courtesy Angela Alsobrooks

"I’m heartbroken to learn of the passing of a legend; our beloved Bruce Johnson. We were proud of how he represented us for the 44 years he was on the news. It was an incredible honor to watch him practice his craft and an even greater honor to know him."

Courtesy Darren Haynes

"The WUSA9 team will never be the same without you. RIP in Bruce Johnson 🙏🏾"

Courtesy Adam Longo

"I can’t believe we’ve lost my friend and former coworker Bruce Johnson. He inspired everyone around him to reach farther and push harder. Bruce leaves behind an incredible roadmap on how to excel as a reporter."

Courtesy Dave Scarnato

"Very sad to hear we lost Bruce Johnson. He always had his photog’s back and always had a great stories to tell to and from stories. Happy to have worked alongside this absolute LEGEND at @wusa9. Sending good vibes to his family."

Courtesy John J. Falcicchio

"Two Fridays ago, we gathered for an annual tradition for the first time since 2019, and we asked Bruce Johnson to lead us through the program like no one else could. He meant so much to so many and had a way of bringing us all together like no one else. DC will miss him dearly."

Courtesy Lorenzo Hall

"This. So heartbreaking! 💔 Bruce Johnson was a wonderful human. THE man! He was DC! Just weeks ago, we laughed endlessly and chatted for hours about his legendary WUSA9 career and future plans. Bruce loved his family, journalism, us, this city!"

Courtesy Francis Abbey

"Bruce had been on TV in the town I grew up in longer than I'd been alive. His reputation as a tireless journalist was well known to anybody who'd watched local news in the DMV. I've been very lucky to become friends with a lot of the on-air folks at WUSA, but with Bruce, I always was a little star struck. With Bruce, I always felt like I was in a room with a lion."

Courtesy Francis Abbey

"I was stunned to hear of his passing. I thought he would have years ahead of him in a productive retirement. But I can't help but think that his passing so soon after he stepped away from the job he loved just proves that it was his life's blood. Rest in peace, Bruce 🙏"

Courtesy Suzie

"Absolutely saddened and shocked to learn of the passing of my friend and colleague Bruce Johnson today. Most amazing person you’ll ever meet. I just finished reading his second book and was going to reach out see when we could meet up for a book signing. He’s been so busy even though he was retired. So sad I never got the chance to tell him, that I cried with him, on the side of the road, when his Ma died. I was glad I got to see him & give him a hug, when he came by to record for his audio book. I will miss his infectious laugh, and amazing spirit. Rest In Peace my friend. 🙏🏼"

WUSA9

Bruce Johnson loved his D.C. sports team so much that he rang the bell during his battle with cancer in Nationals gear!

Mike Valerio

WUSA

Bruce Johnson and the "Father of Go-Go" Chuck Brown

WUSA

Bruce Johnson helps Flower family find new home after losing everything in a fire.

WUSA9

Mike Wise, Bruce Johnson and Ariane Datil -- the original Q&A team!

Andy Shallal and Bruce Johnson

Bruce Johnson and James Brown on the set of "Off Script with Bruce Johnson."

Andrea Roane

“My last on-air project with Bruce Johnson Becoming Douglass Commonwealth written and produced by Nolan Williams.”

Courtesy Larry Sindass

A giant of a newsman... A DC patriot... Loving Father and Husband... A legend.

WUSA9

WUSA9's Adam Longo said it best: "It’ll always be his seat. We just get to step in and be the caretakers while he’s gone."

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