TV5 Anchor Sam Merrill Collapses At Home Dies

Sam Merrill, beloved anchor and the face of TV5 news for two decades, collapsed in his home and died Thursday. He leaves behind his wife, Katy, and son, James, who was born in April, 2011.

Merrill anchored “Action News This Morning” for WTAE. He returned to mid-Michigan in March of 2002.

It is with a broken heart that TV5 informs you of the death of our own Sam Merrill.

Sam was a mainstay here at TV5. An anchor, a reporter, and a cherished friend to many of us.

He collapsed at home today, and passed away, leaving behind his beloved wife, Katy, and son, James.

Sam first appeared on your screens in 1990. He left for a short time to work in his boyhood home of Pittsburgh but returned in 2002.

Many of you knew him not only during his time on your TV screen, but through the various boards and community groups he was a part of.

Our hearts are heavy here today as we try to understand the loss. But we ask that your thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Once we know the wishes of those closest to him, we will pass them along to you wnem

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Merrill’s family and friends at this difficult time.