Ex-BBC journalist & author Stephen Walker, 61, dies as ‘we’re all heartbroken’ tributes paid to ‘outstanding’ reporter

NewsIrish News FORMER BBC journalist and author Stephen Walker has died aged 61 as tributes pour in from “heartbroken” friends. Walker was best known for his work documenting Northern Ireland’s political history, including biographies of former SDLP leader John Hume and ex-Ulster Unionist Party leader David Trimble – both central figures in the North’s peace process and negotiations that ultimately led to the 1998 Belfast Agreement. He began his career at Radio Leeds before joining the BBC in 1991, where he would spend the next three decades. Walker went on to become the BBC’s Northern Ireland political correspondent and later served as its London correspondent during the final years of the Troubles, the peace process and the period surrounding Brexit. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! He also worked as an investigative reporter on the BBC’s Spotlight programme, covering a wide range of major stories. News of his death was shared by his friend and former colleague Mark Carruthers. Carruthers wrote that he was “sorry to be the bearer of such sad news” as he paid tribute to Walker. He said: “The Walker family – Katrin, Grace, Jack and Gabriel – have asked me to let people know that Stephen passed away at home this morning surrounded by the people he loved and who loved him. “He was a wonderful husband, father, brother and son, a fine journalist and author, and the very best of friends. “We are all heartbroken, but grateful for his life so well and fully lived.” Most read in The Sun Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O’Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly also expressed their sadness, describing him as a “hugely respected and dedicated professional”. SDLP leader Claire Hanna remembered Walker as an “outstanding journalist and writer” who recorded important moments in recent history with “intelligence, curiosity and great humanity”. She said: “He brought warmth and good humour to his work and to those around him, and his contribution to how we understand and tell the story of this place will endure for years to come. “My deepest sympathies are with his family and friends, and with his many colleagues at the BBC and across journalism.” He is survived by his wife Katrin, daughter Grace and sons Gabriel and Jack. Comment now