Emmy-winning broadcaster William 'Bill' Griffith has passed away at the age of 77. According to his family, the TV star died "unexpectedly from a medical event" on Friday, 17 July. In a tribute aired live by his former station, ABC 10 News, anchor Max Goldwasser hailed Griffith as a "San Diego legend" who was known as the "Dean of San Diego television".

Known and loved for his 39-year stint on ABC 10 News, Griffith, who joined the station in 1976 at the age of 27, had retired in February, 2015. During his decade-spanning career with the network, the broadcaster took on multiple roles, working as a weekend news presenter, sports director, talk-show host, magazine show host, consumer reporter, and morning and midday news presenter or host.

Prior to his passing, Griffith had publicly documented his battle with male breast cancer in 2004 and received a San Diego Press Club Drew Silvern Award. Following his recovery, he continued to work with various cancer foundations across Southern California.

According to ABC 10 News, Griffith, who spent his final years in Yuma, Arizona, is survived by his two sons and four grandchildren, as well as his brother and sister.

Following the news of Griffith's death, tributes have poured in across social media. Taking to Instagram, one fan wrote: Growing up in the 70s and 80s here in San Diego, Bill Griffith was a huge part of our lives. I remember him first as a sports anchor. He was part of those classic line-ups with Jack White and Susan Farrell.

"He was part of that second wave of television personalities from the 1970s that felt like family. Have you ever met someone on the radio or TV who feels like family because of the many years they were in your living room? That was Bill Griffith!"

Likewise, one of Griffith's former colleagues, Julie Estrada, paid tribute. "My heart aches to find out that my longtime friend, mentor and San Diego news legend, Bill Griffith, has passed unexpectedly after a medical event at 77," she began.

"Bill's passion, empathy, faith, optimism and talent was unmatched. We met when I interned at KGTV News when I was in college and he kept in touch with me ever since. I just heard from him weeks ago when he was checking in on me and he continued to praise me for my career success, but, more importantly, he praised me for how I raised my boys and their success," Estrada, who is the current PR Director of Merlin Entertainment, noted. "He was one of a kind and will definitely be missed. God bless you, Bill, and thank you for being a part of my life."