In brief
Tom Jarriel, an esteemed reporter for ABC News, died on Thursday in Annapolis, Maryland, at 89 years old. His contributions to journalism included critical reporting on global crises and long-lasting investigations into systemic abuses.
Born in 1935, Jarriel's remarkable career began at ABC News, where he became a fixture for 37 years. He was most celebrated for his work on the newsmagazine "20/20," joining in 1979 shortly after its launch. Over the years, Jarriel tackled challenging stories that often shed light on humanitarian crises worldwide. His reporting portfolio spans significant tragedies including the child soldiers of Mozambique, the return of Cambodia's Khmer Rouge, and famine in Ethiopia.Janice Tomlin, his long-time collaborator, shared that their stories were rarely uplifting, stating, "You had to be in serious trouble for Tom and I to do a story on you." Jarriel considered his most significant work a decade-long investigation into Romania's orphanages, which revealed the dire conditions faced by thousands of abandoned children. He described these institutions as places of neglect, stating, “These are state-run asylums shrouded in secrecy... where children with physical or mental defects are banished by a government which has branded them worthless.”Through powerful storytelling and a commitment to uncovering the truth, Tom Jarriel leaves behind a legacy of compassion and integrity in journalism that impacted countless lives. His son Steve confirmed his passing, explaining that Jarriel suffered a stroke last year, leading to his decline. His work continues to resonate today, revealing the harsh realities of vulnerable populations worldwide.
