Johnny Sartin, famend WXYZ-TV photographer, dies following most cancers battle

(WXYZ) — Johnny Sartin spent his profession bringing numerous lives into focus, content material to stay outdoors the body of his digicam lens. 

Johnny Sartin, famend WXYZ-TV photographer, dies following most cancers battle

The revered WXYZ-TV photojournalist, whose shy demeanor belied his monumental accomplishments, died Saturday following a battle with most cancers. He was 65.
 
Born Johnny Nelson Sartin Jr., he spent 30 years at 7 News Detroit following stops in Mississippi, Oklahoma City and WDIV-TV in Detroit.
 
He traveled the nation early on in his profession, protecting mudslides and wild climate with WXYZ meteorologist Jerry Hodak within the Nineties, and spent weeks documenting the devastation of Hurricane Katrina in 2005 in reporters Ray Sayah and Bill Spencer.
 
But most of Sartin’s profession can be spent chasing storms of a distinct form.
 
As a longtime photographer within the station’s investigative unit, Sartin’s fingerprints might be discovered on a number of the most necessary investigations the station ever produced.
 
His work helped reveal corruption far and huge, from the soiled offers of the Kwame Kilpatrick administration to prison conduct inside Wayne County authorities.
 
Throughout his profession, he labored carefully with investigative reporters Shellee Smith, Steve Wilson, Ray Sayah, Heather Catallo, Scott Lewis and Ross Jones.

“Johnny was the best investigative partner you could ask for,” mentioned Catallo, who labored with Sartin for almost all of her profession.

“He gave his all to every story and had my back during countless tense interviews and difficult undercover assignments. But more than being the best videographer, he was one of my best friends, honorary uncle to my daughter—he was family.”

As an investigative photojournalist, Sartin’s work helped to uncover abuses inside psychiatric hospitals throughout Michigan and all through the state’s guardianship system. His work helped to disclose harmful cops, contributed to sending public officers to jail and helped change Michigan regulation.
 
Sartin was extensively revered by his colleagues for his integrity, his compassion and his unyielding work ethic. Following his most cancers analysis earlier this yr, he continued to shoot interviews and edit tales in between rounds of chemotherapy.
 
Sartin was the recipient of numerous Michigan Emmy awards, six regional Edward R. Murrow Awards and two Alfred I. duPont Columbia University Awards—the very best honor in broadcast journalism.

“The loss of Johnny Sartin leaves a profound void in our news family,” mentioned Tim Kochenderfer, WXYZ-TV station supervisor and information director.

“Johnny brought passion, kindness, and an unshakeable work ethic to the field every single day. He was a trusted partner to our reporters and a fixture on our investigative team who served our community with absolute devotion.”

He is survived by his spouse, Nicole, two stepchildren, a number of grandchildren and his sister.