Veteran 11Alive Reporter Jon Shirek Passes Away at 72: Atlanta Mourns the Loss of a Storytelling Icon
ATLANTA, GA — April 16, 2025 — Atlanta’s journalism community and viewers across Georgia are mourning the loss of Jon Shirek, a veteran broadcast reporter and longtime fixture at 11Alive News (WXIA-TV). Shirek passed away on April 16, 2025, at the age of 72, leaving behind a legacy of trusted storytelling, compassionate reporting, and journalistic excellence that spanned more than four decades.
With a career rooted in truth, empathy, and integrity, Jon Shirek was widely regarded as one of the most respected television journalists in the Southeast. His voice, familiar and reassuring to millions of viewers, was synonymous with the 11Alive brand for over 40 years. From covering the Atlanta Olympic Games to reporting on community tragedies, courtroom battles, civil rights milestones, and the triumphs and challenges of everyday Georgians, Shirek brought grace and clarity to even the most complex stories.
Shirek joined WXIA-TV in 1980 and quickly became a cornerstone of the station’s news operation. Known for his calm demeanor, elegant writing, and unflinching commitment to accuracy, he earned the trust of audiences and colleagues alike. Throughout his distinguished career, he covered thousands of stories—often focusing on issues of justice, human interest, and community resilience.
In a public tribute, 11Alive described Shirek as “a journalist’s journalist—deeply thoughtful, impeccably fair, and always led by a deep compassion for the people behind the headlines.” His colleagues remember him not only as a consummate professional, but also as a kind mentor, an eloquent storyteller, and a fierce advocate for ethical reporting.
Shirek’s retirement from daily news coverage in 2022 was met with admiration and gratitude from across Georgia. Even after stepping away from full-time work, he continued to contribute to special assignments and community projects, demonstrating his enduring love for journalism and the people it serves.
Born in Washington, D.C., Jon Shirek’s passion for news began early in life. He studied journalism at the University of Maryland and began his reporting career in radio before transitioning into television. He eventually made Atlanta his home, dedicating most of his professional life to telling stories that mattered—stories that resonated far beyond the city’s borders.
His passing marks the end of an era for Atlanta news. Viewers, journalists, civic leaders, and public officials have expressed deep sorrow, sharing memories and gratitude for the indelible impact he made on the city’s media landscape. Many described him as the “voice of reason” during times of crisis and the “conscience of the newsroom.”
Shirek is survived by his wife, children, and extended family, as well as generations of journalists he inspired. His legacy lives on through the countless stories he told, the lives he touched, and the values he upheld. Plans for a public memorial service are expected to be announced by WXIA-TV in the coming days.
In the words of one former colleague, “Jon didn’t just report the news—he made sense of it. He gave it heart. And in doing so, he gave something priceless to every one of us who watched, learned, and believed in the power of his words.”
