Cause of Death for KTLA Reporter Sam Rubin Revealed

Sam Rubin’s cause of death has been confirmed nearly two months after he passed away unexpectedly.

On Tuesday, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office released a report revealing that the longtime KTLA entertainment journalist died from ischemic heart disease and atherosclerotic coronary artery disease. These conditions are both heart-related.

The American Heart Association explains that ischemia is a condition where blood flow and oxygen are restricted or reduced in a part of the body. Cardiac ischemia specifically refers to decreased blood flow and oxygen to the heart muscle. Atherosclerotic coronary artery disease, or atherosclerosis, involves the hardening of arteries due to plaque build-up.

According to the report, Rubin, a KTLA veteran for 30 years and a regular on the station’s popular morning show, died at the hospital. Initial reports indicated that Rubin went into cardiac arrest at his home and was taken to UCLA West Hills, where he was pronounced dead.

At the time of his death, KTLA anchor Frank Buckley confirmed Rubin’s passing on air with an emotional tribute.

“The Sam that you saw on the air is the Sam that was off the air,” Buckley said live, fighting back tears. “To all of us he shared his mornings with on television, and to those he worked with behind the scenes at KTLA, we will not forget him.”

The station released a statement on social media, expressing their profound sadness at Rubin’s death. “Sam was a giant in the local news industry and the entertainment world, and a fixture of Los Angeles morning television for decades,” the statement read.

“His laugh, charm, and caring personality touched all who knew him. Sam was a loving husband and father: the roles he cherished the most. Our thoughts are with Sam’s family during this difficult time,” the tribute continued.

Rubin was honored with numerous social media posts from celebrities immediately following his death. Notable figures like Tom Hanks, Ryan Reynolds, Ben Stiller, Henry Winkler, Octavia Spencer, Mark Hamill, and many more shared their condolences.

Ryan Reynolds tweeted about Rubin, “Even if I was on my 85th interview that day, I was always happy to see Sam. Even if HE was on his 85th interview that day, he always brought genuine kindness, curiosity, and an outside-the-box question.”

Henry Winkler also shared his thoughts, saying, “Two things I know — he made you feel special every single time, and I am not the only person who felt that warmth every time they sat down at your desk.”

Tom Hanks reacted with a heartfelt Instagram post, saying, “Sam Rubin, you will be missed. A good guy, that Sam.”

Days after his passing, Rubin’s son, Colby Rubin, appeared on air to memorialize his dad with a touching tribute, calling him his “hero.”

“Hi Dad,” Colby began, sitting in his dad’s anchor chair and fighting back tears. “I wrote this under the desk in the cubicle you used to catch me sleeping, only you weren’t there to wake me up this time. Dad, I can’t believe you are gone.”

Colby shared stories about his father picking him up from school, taking him to Boy Scouts and Disneyland, and imparting life lessons about chasing dreams and living life to the fullest. He continued, “You won’t be at my wedding. I can’t believe you’re gone. I love you so much.”

Sam Rubin is survived by his wife, Leslie, and four children.

Source: Los Angeles County Medical Examiner