HOUSTON — Former KHOU 11 reporter Rucks Russell has died after battling COVID-19.
His wife said he had been caring for his twin brother Edgar, who also died from the virus.
Rucks, who was 55, will be remembered as a genuinely kind man who treated everyone with respect. He was a caring, quiet soul and always calm admidst the organized chaos of the newsroom.
Rucks touched countless lives during his career as a journalist and after.
KHOU 11 News anchor Ron Trevino said it best in an email to the staff:
"The past 24 hours have been devastating for so many of us here at KHOU. And for this city.
We’ve lost a great journalist and former colleague who was more than that.
He was family.
Rucks Russell was not your typical broadcast journalist.
I’ve been telling those who never met him that in an industry not short on loud arrogance, he was an island of calm, gentleness and thoughtfulness.
And he wasn’t stingy about it.
He came off soft spoken and caring , and it wasn’t an act.
I worked with him for years, and he was always gracious and generous with his time to help those around him, especially those new to the city.
His battle with cancer was one he largely kept secret.
He beat that battle,
even as he continued working.
He carried himself and his struggles in quiet dignity.
He cared for others, as I said, in particular his dear twin brother, who he talked to daily.
And when his brother came down with Covid, Rucks came to his aid.
The death of both to that horrible virus is just beyond horrific.
I continue to pray for his family."
Rucks worked at KHOU 11 from 2006 to 2017. He covered a variety of stories that impacted the community.
Rucks left KHOU to work for Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee. He most recently served as Senior Communications Specialist for the Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health.
Funeral plans are pending.
The KHOU 11 family is sending our deepest condolences to his family.