Local Television Legend John Hambrick Dies at 73

John Hambrick, a local news veteran who anchored WNBC New York, KABC Los Angeles and KRON San Francisco, among many others dies at the age of 73, according to Broadcasting Cable.

Hambrick had been suffering from lung cancer after he was diagnosed in 2012. It was said that the cancer has already spread to his brain.

John came to WTVJ-Channel 6 on July 1985, replacing the retiring Ralph Renick, the station's original news anchor. Mr. Hambrick was co-anchor at 6 and 11 p.m. Four years later, he moved to WCIX, now WFOR-Ch. 4.His career also included stints at WEWS Cleveland, WCPO Cincinnati and WTVJ Miami.

His brothers, Judd and Mike, were also news anchors in major markets. His more memorable stories include the Cleveland riots, the standoff between American Indians and federal officials at Wounded Knee, South Dakota in 1973, and the assassination attempt on President Ronald Reagan.

Hambrick came from an acting background, was a film producer, and a songwriter and musical performer as well. He returned to acting after his news career, appearing in the Friday Night Lights pilot. His is survived by his wife, Barbara Watson, with whom he has been married with for the past 51 years.

"He was thorough in his research, relentless in his pursuit of a story and, above, all a master of his craft with an intense, high-energy delivery that commanded attention," said Chuck Scarborough, WNBC anchor.

"John embraced his co-workers and friends with the same Texas-sized enthusiasm that defined his broadcasting style." Hambrick will be buried at Lone Oak Cemetery in Texas.