Tom Dees, a veteran reporter for Fox13 News in Memphis, Tennessee, passed away on February 9, 2023, at his home in Desoto County, Mississippi. He was 57 years old and just a few days shy of his 58th birthday. His death came as a shock to many who knew him as a passionate and dedicated journalist who covered a wide range of stories in the Mid-South region for over 25 years. What was the cause of his death and what was the rare lung disease that he was diagnosed with?
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What is Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF)?
According to Distractify Tom Dees died as a result of an illness called Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF), a chronic and progressive lung disease that causes scarring (fibrosis) of the lung tissue. This makes it hard for the lungs to transfer oxygen to the bloodstream, leading to symptoms such as shortness of breath, cough, fatigue, and weight loss. The disease has no known cause and no cure, and the prognosis is usually poor, with a median survival of three to five years after diagnosis.
IPF is a rare disease that affects about 14 to 43 people per 100,000 population, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The disease is more common in men than women, and usually affects people between 50 and 70 years of age. The risk factors for IPF include smoking, exposure to environmental pollutants, genetic predisposition, and viral infections.
How did Tom Dees cope with his diagnosis?
Tom Dees was diagnosed with IPF in late 2022, according to a GoFundMe page created by his daughter Ally to raise funds for his medical expenses. The page revealed that the disease was not rare in his family, as his father had also suffered from the same condition and passed away in April 2022. Tom’s diagnosis came as a devastating blow to him and his loved ones, who had to face the reality of his condition and the uncertainty of his future.
The GoFundMe page stated that Tom’s treatment plan included many doctors’ visits, diagnostic tests, medications, and evaluation for a possible lung transplant. However, finding a donor match and undergoing a transplant surgery were not easy or guaranteed options, and Tom would have to take immunosuppressive drugs for the rest of his life if he received a transplant. The page also thanked the healthcare workers who supported Tom and his family during this difficult time.
How did Tom Dees impact the Mid-South community?
Tom Dees joined Fox13 News in 1995, after graduating from Mississippi State University and working in broadcast news in various states. He was the longest-tenured member of the Fox13 News team, and was known for his reporting in Northern Mississippi, where he won an Emmy award for his coverage. He worked as a one-man band, traveling across the region and covering multiple stories in a day. He was also a mentor and a friend to many of his colleagues and viewers, who admired his professionalism, integrity, and humor.
Fox13 News released a statement on its website, saying: “To know Tom Dees was to love him. A man with a million questions his passion for the Mid-South personally and professionally was endearing and admirable. He was a tireless and loyal friend and colleague. He was quick with a self-deprecating quip (usually about his hair, or lack thereof) and could always bring a smile to those around him. He will be missed by all who knew him.”
Many people also took to social media to express their condolences and share their memories of Tom Dees. Kelly Roberts, a reporter for WREG News Channel 3, tweeted: “Saddened by the news of the passing of my friend @TomDeesFOX13. It was a good day when you saw Tom out on a story. It was always a spirt of collaboration not competition. Tom was a salt of the earth kind of guy. I hope he rests easy.”
Tom Dees is survived by his wife, Cathy, and their three children, Amelia, Ally, and Austin. No funeral arrangements have been publicly announced as of yet. His family and friends are requesting prayers and donations to help them cope with their loss and honor his legacy.
