Emmy-winning broadcaster William 'Bill' Griffith has died at the age of 77. According to his family, the TV star died 'unexpectedly from a medical event' on Friday, July 17, 2026.
Tributes from colleagues and fans
In a tribute aired live by his former station, ABC 10 News, anchor Max Goldwasser hailed Griffith as a 'San Diego legend' who was known as the 'Dean of San Diego television.' Griffith spent 39 years at ABC 10 News, joining the station in 1976 at age 27 and retiring in February 2015.
During his career, Griffith worked as a weekend news presenter, sports director, talk-show host, magazine show host, consumer reporter, and morning and midday news presenter. He publicly documented his battle with male breast cancer in 2004 and received a San Diego Press Club Drew Silvern Award. After recovery, he worked with various cancer foundations across Southern California.
Family and final years
According to ABC 10 News, Griffith spent his final years in Yuma, Arizona. He is survived by his two sons, four grandchildren, his brother, and his sister.
Tributes have poured in on social media. One fan wrote on Instagram: 'Growing up in the 70s and 80s here in San Diego, Bill Griffith was a huge part of our lives. I remember him first as a sports anchor. He was part of those classic line-ups with Jack White and Susan Farrell.'
Former colleague Julie Estrada, now PR Director of Merlin Entertainment, said: 'My heart aches to find out that my longtime friend, mentor and San Diego news legend, Bill Griffith, has passed unexpectedly after a medical event at 77. Bill's passion, empathy, faith, optimism and talent was unmatched. We met when I interned at KGTV News when I was in college and he kept in touch with me ever since. I just heard from him weeks ago when he was checking in on me and he continued to praise me for my career success, but, more importantly, he praised me for how I raised my boys and their success. He was one of a kind and will definitely be missed. God bless you, Bill, and thank you for being a part of my life.'
