The world was left in mourning when actress Carrie Fisher passed away, followed by her mother Debbie Reynolds a day later.
The Associated Press (AP) made it a priority to verify this heartbreaking news.
In a communication to the staff, John Daniszewski, Editor at Large for Standards, recounted how two dedicated reporters were the first to officially confirm the events:
Carrie Fisher's demise led to an outpouring of grief from fans who revered her as Princess Leia.
However, when Debbie Reynolds, an acclaimed actress herself, succumbed to death shortly after her daughter, the dual loss of this iconic mother-daughter duo was perceived as a monumental tragedy worldwide.
AP Entertainment Writer Sandy Cohen was the initial contact with Fisher's brother, Todd, to authenticate his sister's hospitalization.
Subsequently, AP Television Writer Lynn Elber managed to reach Todd Fisher to deliver the devastating news of his mother's passing.
“She expressed her desire to reunite with Carrie, leaving us all shattered,” shared Fisher with Elber from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.
Carrie Fisher fell seriously ill during a flight from London to Los Angeles on December 23.
While other sources mentioned her ailment based on anonymity, the AP sought concrete verification.
Entertainment writer Anthony McCartney took charge of the Carrie Fisher coverage, reaching out to medical and law enforcement channels.
Meanwhile, Cohen secured Todd Fisher's contact details from a source; he informed Cohen about his sister's improved condition.
This marked the official confirmation of the actress's hospitalization.
She eventually passed away on December 28.
Following speculations that Debbie Reynolds had been rushed to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, reports were corroborated by McCartney through independent sources.
Utilizing the contact provided by Cohen, McCartney and Elber simultaneously called Todd Fisher at the hospital.
Elber's previous text to Fisher, inquiring about his mother and reminiscing about their past meeting during an auction event, likely contributed to his willingness to speak with her.
“He was emotional yet gracious while discussing Reynolds' final moments and her wish to be reunited with her daughter,” Elber recollected.
Fisher's poignant words were widely circulated by various news outlets, including The New York Times, which acknowledged AP's role in their tweet.
The diligent efforts of Cohen and Elber resonated strongly in the extensive coverage of the Fisher and Reynolds saga.
