Veteran Journalist Steven R. Hurst, Witness to History, Dies at 77

Steven R. Hurst, a veteran journalist whose career spanned over four decades, has passed away at the age of 77. Hurst, who retired from the Associated Press (AP) in 2016, died at his home in Decatur, Illinois, between October 2 and 3, 2024. The cause of death remains unknown, although he had been suffering from congestive heart failure, a condition affecting approximately 6.2 million adults in the United States.

Throughout his illustrious career, Hurst had a front-row seat to some of the most significant global events of the late 20th and early 21st centuries. His journalistic journey began at the Decatur Herald and Review in Illinois before joining the AP in 1976 as a correspondent in Columbus, Ohio. Hurst's career trajectory led him to various prestigious news organizations, including NBC and CNN, before returning to the AP in 2000.

One of the highlights of Hurst's career came during his time at CNN when he covered the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991. This historic event, which officially took place on December 26, 1991, marked a significant shift in global geopolitics. Hurst had the opportunity to interview Boris Yeltsin, who became the first President of the Russian Federation, live from the Russian White House. He then witnessed Mikhail Gorbachev, the last leader of the Soviet Union, sign the papers that officially dissolved the union.

"I interviewed Boris Yeltsin live in the Russian White House as he was about to become the new leader, before heading in a police escort to the Kremlin where we covered Mikhail Gorbachev, live, signing the papers dissolving the Soviet Union. I then interviewed Gorbachev live in his office."

Hurst's career also included coverage of the Iraq War, which began in March 2003 and officially ended in December 2011. He served as the AP's chief of bureau in Iraq in 2006, after rotating in and out of Baghdad as a chief editor for three years. This experience provided him with a unique perspective on one of the most significant conflicts of the early 21st century.

In his later years, Hurst focused on U.S. politics and government, spending the last eight years of his career in Washington. This shift coincided with the intensification of U.S. political journalism due to the advent of 24-hour news cycles in the late 20th century.

Born on March 13, 1947, in Decatur, Illinois, Hurst was a graduate of Millikin University, founded in 1901 in his hometown. He furthered his education with a master's degree in journalism from the University of Missouri, home to the world's first journalism school established in 1908.

Colleagues remember Hurst not only for his professional achievements but also for his personal qualities. Julie Pace, AP's executive editor and senior vice president, praised Hurst's dedication to ensuring that people around the world understood the history unfolding before them. Ken Guggenheim, a news editor in AP's Washington bureau, described Hurst as "the consummate gentleman," noting his respect and kindness towards everyone.

Hurst's daughter, Ellen, recalled her father as a funny and smart individual with an exceptional ability to tell stories. His career as a journalist allowed him to see the world and develop a deep understanding of how major events affected individuals across the globe.

Steven R. Hurst is survived by his daughters Ellen Hurst, Sally Hurst, and Anne Alavi, as well as four grandchildren. His wife, Kathy Beaman, passed away shortly after his retirement. Hurst's legacy as a witness to history and a dedicated journalist will continue to inspire future generations in the field of journalism.