The official cause of the sudden death of veteran Los Angeles news personality Sam Rubin has been disclosed.
On Tuesday, July 9, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner announced that the veteran entertainment reporter passed away due to ischemic heart disease, caused by atherosclerotic coronary artery disease. This condition results in a lethal heartbeat due to insufficient blood and oxygen flow to the heart.
On the morning of May 10, Rubin, 64, experienced stomach pain and called 911 for assistance. He was transported to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead in the emergency room shortly after 11 a.m.
The medical examiner stated that his heart stopped due to insufficient blood and oxygen, categorizing Rubin’s death as “natural.”
Ischemic heart disease is a major global health concern, impacting approximately 126 million individuals, as reported by the National Institutes of Health. Common symptoms include chest pain, dizziness, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, and swelling of the feet and ankles.
Sam Rubin’s Longtime News Station Also Shared Details of His Cause of Death
KTLA, the news station where Rubin dedicated over three decades of his career, also reported the findings. They were the first to announce his death during a live broadcast and followed up with a statement on X, formerly Twitter, on May 10.
“KTLA 5 is profoundly saddened to report the death of Sam Rubin,” the statement began.
“Sam was a giant in the local news industry and the entertainment world, and a fixture of Los Angeles morning television for decades. His laugh, charm and caring personality touched all who knew him. Sam was a loving husband and father: the roles he cherished the most. Our thoughts are with Sam’s family during this difficult time,” the statement added.
Rubin joined KTLA 5 News in 1991 and swiftly rose to the ranks as one of the nation’s leading local news personalities. His extensive knowledge of film and television, coupled with his deep industry connections, elevated him to celebrity status within the entertainment capital of the world.
He is survived by his wife, Leslie, and their four children. His teenage son, Colby, shared a heartfelt tribute on-air just days after his father’s passing.
“I love you so much. On the day you died, I hope you heard me say that. You were the kindest soul. You were the light in every room. I can’t imagine my life without you,” Colby said on the broadcast. “You were part of my everything.”