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Times writer, editor Paul de la Garza dies at 44
A terrific newsman who thrived in breaking news and getting inside difficult stories died Sundayat Tampa General Hospital of an apparent heart attack.
By Times staff
Published October 29, 2006
The St. Petersburg Times has lost a dear family member. Our friend and colleague Paul de la Garza died Sunday of an apparent heart attack. Paul, 44, leaves behind his wife Georgia and two young children, Carlos and Monica. Paul felt ill Saturday night and early Sunday morning was taken to Tampa General Hospital where he passed away shortly after noon. Georgia was with him at the time. Paul was a terrific newsman who thrived in breaking news and getting inside difficult stories. His career included positions with the Associated Press, the Chicago Tribune (where he was Mexico City bureau chief) and two stints with the Times in our Washington and Tampa offices. Most recently, he distinguished our newspaper with coverage of veterans’ affairs, and of the military operations at MacDill Air Force Base. U.S. Rep. C.W. Bill Young once referred to Paul as the best investigative reporter he’d ever seen, and military generals from Tommy Franks to John Abizaid granted Paul great access out of respect for his reporting.
We are stunned and saddened by Paul’s tragic death. Our hearts go out to Georgia, her children and entire family.
[Last modified October 29, 2006, 18:41:27]
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