Veteran journalist and former CNN anchor Aaron Brown, renowned for his composed reporting during the 9/11 terrorist attacks, passed away on Sunday at the age of 76. Brown's career, which spanned decades, began in Seattle where he climbed the ranks from an assistant night assignment editor at KING 5 in 1976 to anchoring the late-night news at KIRO 7 in 1986. He later transitioned to ABC, hosting a national overnight news program in 1991 before joining CNN a decade later.

Brown was slated to helm CNN's primetime news show "NewsNight" when the tragic events of September 11, 2001, unfolded. Though the show hadn't officially launched, Brown stepped up, delivering continuous coverage from CNN's Manhattan office rooftop for 17 hours. His calm demeanor and insightful reporting provided a source of stability for millions during a time of national crisis. His work that day earned him the prestigious Edward R. Murrow Award.

CNN anchor John Vause, who also reported from New York City on 9/11, recalled Brown's profound reaction to the South Tower's collapse, a moment that captured the shared disbelief of the nation. Brown's reporting, while fact-driven, was also characterized by a deep sense of humanity, according to former CNN producer Amanda Turnbull. Colleagues remember him not only for his journalistic skills but also for his sharp wit and emphasis on empathetic reporting.

A Minnesota native, Brown hosted a radio talk show in Minneapolis and briefly attended the University of Minnesota before joining the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve. While his tenure at CNN ended in 2005 when Anderson Cooper took over the primetime slot, Brown continued to contribute to the field of journalism, teaching at Arizona State University's Cronkite School.