UPTOWN — Award-winning journalist and former Uptown reporter Michael J. Feeney died Sunday afternoon of complications from a staph infection in his kidneys, the New York Daily News reported.
Feeney, 32, who worked the Uptown beat for the Daily News for three years until 2014, was at the Holy Name Medical Center in his hometown of Teaneck, N.J., since Tuesday after complaining of stomach pains, NorthJersey.com reported. He went into cardiac arrest on Sunday at 1:15 p.m., according to the Daily News.
Feeney was one of the first reporters dedicated to covering the communities of Inwood, Washington Heights and Harlem for a major daily newspaper, becoming a fixture at neighborhood meetings and reporting on the area's emerging artists.
He graduated from Delaware State University in 2005, where he was editor-in-chief of the university's paper, according to his LinkedIn profile.
He was recently freelancing for TheGrio.com and The Record, and was set to begin his dream job as an entertainment reporter at CNN.com in Atlanta, the Daily News reported.
Feeney was named Emerging Journalist of the Year by the New York Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) in 2010 and went on to serve for four years as the organization's president.
He also interviewed such stars as Jay-Z, Drake and Queen Latifah during his short career.
Notable Uptowners expressed sadness over the news as word of his death spread Sunday night.
I'm completely shocked by the news that Michael J. Feeney passed away today. Rest in Peace bro!!! Thank you for your support!
— Mr. Peralta (@peraltaprjct) February 1, 2016Wows. Man....RIP Michael J Feeney. Im speechless.
— Juan Bago (@JuanBago) February 1, 2016So sad. @mfeeney: a mensch & thoughtful journalist who got the story right. Condolences to family. #RIPmichaelfeeney https://t.co/gOT5PIUejo
— Liz Ritter (@LizRittr) February 1, 2016The Rev. Al Sharpton and Mayor Bill de Blasio also tweeted out their condolences.
Just heard that Michael Feeney , young dynamic journalist died this morning. A good brother and fine journalist. Sad news, RIP Michael.
— Reverend Al Sharpton (@TheRevAl) January 31, 2016Journalist. Leader. Rising star.
My condolences to the friends and family of @mfeeney.
Rest in peace. https://t.co/RQQtkOPa2V
— Bill de Blasio (@BilldeBlasio) February 1, 2016Feeney is survived by his mother, Reba Willis, twin brother Anthony and half sister Maria, NorthJersey.com reported.
