Steve Crump, who reported the news for Charlotte, North Carolina's WBTV for nearly 40 years, died on Thursday at age 65 from colorectal cancer, which he had battled since 2018. 

Crump reported on a lot of the big stories in the area and nationally during his tenure at the station, which began in 1985.

He covered Hurricane Hugo and the trials of Ray Caruth and Jim Bakker, as well as many stories about changes in the area of Charlotte over the years.

After his diagnosis, he took a leave of absence and was able to contribute pre-taped segments with a few live ones in between treatments.

Serious diagnosis

Crump's diagnosis in 2018 was a serious one. The cancer had already spread to his liver and doctors initially suggested he go on hospice within weeks.

But Crump fought back, went into treatment and celebrated five years of survival just a week before his final relapse.

At the celebration brunch, he said: “On July 22 2018 my cancer diagnosis continued with one doctor suggesting that I be placed in hospice. We found a successful second opinion and five years later we’re still here.”

His wife Cathy shared her thoughts about her husband's passing on social media.

“Our hearts are breaking as we share the news of the passing of our beloved Steve. He was determined to share the truth and broadcasting became the chosen vehicle. His true passion was being a part of the lives of the people in his community and sharing their truths. We will remain steadfast and never forget his passion," she said.

Many awards

Crump was awarded Educator of the Year by the Charlotte Post Foundation, the City of Charlotte’s Martin Luther King Junior Medallion Award and the 2021 Mosaic Award, which came from the Public Relations Society of America Charlotte Chapter.

Steve was the second person to ever receive the Mosaic Award in Charlotte. In 2016 he was recognized with the first-ever Journalist of the Year Award by the National Association of Black Journalists.

During his career, he also produced dozens of documentaries and other films, including Emmy-winning “Orangeburg 50 Years Later” about the tragic events of the Orangeburg Massacre in South Carolina.

Crump was known for being relentlessly positive during his news career.

He also had boundless energy. Longtime friend Randall Pinkston said of him, "I don't know when he slept."