John Roland anchored Fox 5 News from 1979 to his retirement in 2004.  He started with the 10 pm newscast and then anchored the 5 and 6 pm broadcasts. Roland started his career in the 1960s with NBC News.

Roland almost died on air in 2002 after being stricken with severe diverticulitis. This resulted in him losing 40% of his colon and receiving 18 blood transfusions.

Roland is said to have passed away Sunday in Florida where he lived with his wife Zayda. No cause of death has been announced.  

Photo courtesy of Fox 5