D.C.-area news anchor Joe Krebs has died after a battle with cancer.
Krebs died Tuesday morning and spent last weekend surrounded by friends and family, labor union SAG-AFTRA said in a statement.
He was the morning anchor for NBC Washington for 18 years and was known for his pursuit and reporting of cold cases.
Krebs joined the network in 1980 from WBAL-TV in Baltimore, and before that he was an assistant public affairs officer aboard the USS John F. Kennedy and assistant prosecutor in St. Louis, .
“Being a news broadcaster is what I always wanted to be,鈥� Krebs told NBC Washington.
He was also a union shop steward at WRC, where he “fought tirelessly for his colleagues at the bargaining table.” He served several terms as president of the Washington 鈥� Baltimore Local chapter of AFTRA and was the Chair of the National Broadcast Steering Committee.
鈥淛oe was a true union man. His breadth of knowledge & experience was an enormous asset to SAG-AFTRA. The work he did in support of his fellow members & for the principles of fairness & justice will endure,鈥� .
Earlier this month, Krebs received .
Krebs was diagnosed with and underwent treatment and procedure for the disease. He raised funds .
“Joe was the kind of guy who always advocated for a cause whether that was on behalf of broadcast journalists, labor issues, or organizing events with the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network to find a cure via his work with PurpleStride,” the union said in a statement.
Tributes poured in from former colleagues.
All of us at are devastated to learn that cancer took our Joe Krebs this morning. A smart journalist … A dedicated family man … A wonderful friend. His 32 years with us were just golden.
鈥� Matt Glassman (@nbcmatt)
We’re heartbroken to learn our beloved Joe Krebs has lost his valiant battle with cancer. Joe passed peacefully this morning with his family at his side. Our family has lost a dear colleague, friend and quintessential journalist, who will live on in our hearts!
鈥� Pat Lawson Muse (@PLMuse)
Joe Krebs was a superb human. The best of us. I am devastated by this loss. My heart and prayers are with his family.
鈥� Eun Yang (@eunyangnbc)
He is survived by his wife Mary Lynne and his daughters and grandchildren.
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