Jeff Murri, General Manager of WJBK Fox 2, Dies at Age 50

myFOXdetroit.com - It is with extreme sadness that we report the death of WJBK Fox 2 General Manager Jeff Murri, who passed away Thursday at the age of 50. His death has been ruled a suicide.

We knew him as a wonderful, energetic and giving person.  We are deeply saddened and shocked by his loss. He was more than our boss and our leader, he was a friend.

Our entire staff at the station sends our collective thoughts, love and prayers to his family.

Memorials:
Society of St. Vincent de Paul
National Council of the United States
58 Progress Parkway
St. Louis, MO 63043-3706
www.svdpusa.org/Donate

Statement from Jack Abernethy, CEO of Fox Television Stations:

“We are devastated by the loss of one of our most beloved members of the Fox Television Stations family. There are no words to express the sadness of this tragedy. Jeff was an exceptional leader, a compassionate friend, a devoted husband and a loving father. He had great passion and dedication to WJBK and his legacy will live on in the many lives he touched. We will miss him tremendously.”

More About Jeff Murri:

Murri was the Vice President and General Manager for WJBK FOX 2 Detroit.

Murri began his Broadcast career at WJBK in 1984 as a Local Account Executive (1984-1986). From there he worked his way up in the ranks as a National Sales Representative for Storer Communications in Atlanta, Georgia (1987-1988) as well as an Account Executive for WCBS in New York (1989-1990).

Murri returned to WJBK in 1991 as the National Sales Manager (1991-1993) and subsequently was promoted to Local Sales Manager (1994-1996) and then to VP/General Sales Manager (1997-2001). In October 2001, Murri was promoted to his current position as the VP/General Manager of the FOX Owned and Operated Station WJBK FOX 2 Detroit.

Murri was active in several community groups. He served as the media committee chair for the National Black Leadership Commission on AIDS (NBLCA) of Detroit, and he serves on the Leadership Committee for the Ad Council. The Leadership Committee helps identify the needs of the community and encourages the media to support public service campaigns that are relevant to the Detroit market. Murri is a long-time member of the Adcraft Club of Detroit.  Murri graduated from Oakland University (1985), with a B.A. in Mass Communications.

Murri is a Michigan native and resided in Metro Detroit with his wife Heather and two sons Luigi (17) and Dominic (12).

Related: Broadcasting and Cable Local TV Executive of the Year

From Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony, President, Detroit Branch NAACP:

Please accept our sincere condolences and expressions of sadness concerning the passing of the General Manager of Fox 2, Jeff Murri.

It is not very often that I get the opportunity to enjoy a meaningful and warm relationship with members of the media. However, Jeff Murri demonstrated himself to be a very sensitive, caring and open professional. I enjoyed our relationship and looked forward to my visits to Fox 2 knowing that Jeff often walked me around to greet persons in key positions at the station to make certain the doors of communication were always open.

He was concerned about our City, this region and all people regardless of race or background. He will certainly be missed and his work shall be remembered. Our condolences to his family, friends and to the Fox 2 organization. Jeff leaves a legacy that is worthy of continuation.