Gwen Ifil (Sep. 29, 1955 – Nov. 14, 2016)
Cancer lead to the death of famed journalist Gwen Ifill at age 61. Afer beginning her career in newspapers, Ifill ventured into broadcasting with NBC News and ultimately held the anchor spot on PBS’ Newshour. The journalist also moderated two vice presidential debates during the 2008 election and earned the John Chancellor Award for journalistic excellence this year. She was due to receive the honor just before her death.
James Alan McPherson (Sept. 16, 1943 – July 27, 2016)
MacArthur Fellowship recipient and Pulitzer Prize-winning writer James Alan McPherson died of complications from pneumonia at 72.