ABC journalist Mark Colvin has died aged 65.
#BREAKING: Mark Colvin (@Colvinius), respected ABC journalist, has died aged 65
Colvin worked for the ABC, which he joined as a cadet in 1974, for almost four decades. He appeared on many of its current affairs and news TV and radio programs over the years, including stints on Four Corners, Nationwide, The World Today, and years spent posted in London and Europe.
He was an experienced foreign correspondent and covered events such as the American hostage crisis in Tehran, the easing of the Cold War across Europe and the Balkans war in his various postings between 1980 and 1997.
In 1997, Colvin returned to Sydney to host ABC Radio's PM.
He contracted a rare auto-immune disease while reporting for the ABC in Rwanda and Zaire in 1994, which eventually resulted in long-term kidney damage. In 2012, Colvin received a kidney transplant from living donor Mary-Ellen Field.
Shortly after the ABC announced his death on Thursday, a tweet reading "It's all been bloody marvellous" was posted from Colvin's account.
It's all been bloody marvellous.
In a statement, his family said: "Today we lost our beloved Mark. The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at the Prince of Wales hospital, as well as the community, the ABC, his friends and colleagues, who have stood by him and supported his career and life," it read.
"At this moment of grief, we request the family be left to mourn in private. Mark has asked that donations to the Prince of Wales Hospital Trust be made, in place of flowers."
Vale Mark Colvin. After a long battle with ill health, respected ABC journalist @Colvinius has died aged 65:… https://t.co/sjgpPO7Z1S
The ABC's director of news, Gaven Morris, said Colvin was "one of Australia's finest journalists".
"He leaves an unfillable void as a journalist, a colleague and a friend," Morris said.
"He was an important part of the ABC community as a mentor and teacher to young reporters and as a voice of wisdom and experience to many older ones. Our reporters and producers felt strengthened by his presence in the newsroom and emboldened by the sound of his voice on our airwaves."
Many people are mourning his death on Twitter – where Colvin was a frontrunner in terms of Australian journalists using the platform.
Heartbreaking news. Mark Colvin, one of the giants of our profession, has died.His intellectual curiosity knew no b… https://t.co/as4u0BP07e
Mark Colvin (@Colvinius) was a giant of our profession and will be hugely missed. #RIP #MEAAmedia
Such a wonderful mentor and charming chap, even while in intolerable pain, you could rely on Mark to listen ... https://t.co/LrFRwLShmh
A pillar of good journalism, great story telling, outstanding curiosity. #RIP @Colvinius #MarkColvin
Devestated by the news of my dear friend @Colvinius the greatest mentor. Such a giant of our profession. Suffered too much. Was so stoic RIP
Politicians have also expressed their sympathies, including the prime minister.
Mark Colvin's journalism was elegant and erudite. In a world of superficiality, he was always informed and honest. We've lost a good man.
Awful news. Vale Mark Colvin. A gentleman of journalism.
Vale Mark Colvin. A fascinating life ended far too soon. You will be missed.
As a long time listener I’m sad to see that opportunity lost to all of us. Vale Mark Colvin. @colvinius