Mike McQueen, AP bureau chief down south, dies at age 52

Songbird · Oct 25, 2009

Condolences to Mike McQueen's family and friends and colleagues past and present.

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Mike McQueen, chief of bureau for The Associated Press in Louisiana and Mississippi, has died. He was 52.

McQueen, who had been on medical leave since the spring, died Sunday from complications of cancer and congestive heart failure.

McQueen's journalism career spanned three decades, including two stints with the AP and work on two Pulitzer Prize-winning newspaper teams.

"Mike's passion for stories and his love for fellow journalists could light up a room. He was a creative and caring editor and newsroom mentor. We are heartbroken about his passing," said Kathleen Carroll, the AP's executive editor.

In 2006, McQueen returned to the AP as assistant chief of bureau in New Orleans, helping manage the news report and AP's relationship with newspapers in the two states. Later that year, he was promoted to chief of bureau.

"Mike took on a big challenge when he came back to the AP," said Michael Giarrusso, AP's regional news director for the South and West. "It was just months after Hurricane Katrina, and the two states, newspapers throughout the region and the AP were still dealing with the aftermath of the disaster."

McQueen, formerly managing editor of The Macon (Ga.) Telegraph, was part of a Knight-Ridder team of editors who traveled to the Gulf Coast region in the aftermath of Katrina. McQueen worked with the Sun Herald newspaper of Biloxi-Gulfport, which won the Pulitzer Prize for Public Service in 2006.

"I will always remember him as a strong and able man who helped us in the time of our greatest need," Executive Editor Stan Tiner said.

Ron Harrist, longtime AP Mississippi news editor, called McQueen a true journalist.

"The thing I'll remember most about Mike was how much he loved his job and he loved the people who worked for him," Harrist said.
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floridanewbie31 · Oct 26, 2009

very good friend of my mother.....good guy...His family, which has suffered terrible tragedy in recent years, is in my prayers and should be in all of our prayers.

HejiraHenry · Oct 26, 2009

I'd heard he was ailing. RIP.

spaceman · Oct 26, 2009

Mike was a good dude. Loved the biz, and loved people.

Drip · Oct 26, 2009

Just saw Mike about 5 months ago. He wasn't looking too well but was in great spirits. RIP to a dear old friend.

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Mike McQueen, AP bureau chief down south, dies at age 52

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Mike McQueen, AP bureau chief down south, dies at age 52

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