David Bloom facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
David Bloom
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| Born |
David Jerome Bloom
May 22, 1963 Edina, Minnesota, U.S.
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| Died | April 6, 2003 (aged 39) |
| Cause of death | Pulmonary embolism from deep vein thrombosis |
| Alma mater | Pitzer College |
| Occupation | Television journalist |
| Years active | 1988–2003 |
| Relatives | James Bloom (sibling) and John Bloom (sibling) |
David Jerome Bloom was an American television journalist. He was born on May 22, 1963, and sadly passed away on April 6, 2003, at age 39. He was known for being a co-anchor on Weekend Today and a reporter. His death was caused by a blood clot that traveled to his lungs.
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About David Bloom
David Bloom grew up in Edina, Minnesota. As a young person, he loved playing ice hockey. He was also a champion debater in high school. He attended Pitzer College in Claremont, California, from 1981 to 1985. There, he studied political science.
In college, David was a top debater in the nation. He was known for his strong skills in discussing important topics. David was married to Melanie, and they had three daughters: Nicole, Christine, and Ava. After his death, his wife Melanie started working with a group called the Coalition to Prevent DVT. This group helps prevent the type of blood clot that caused David's death.
David's Career in Television
David Bloom started his television career in La Crosse, Wisconsin. He reported on local government stories. From 1988 to 1989, he worked as a reporter in Wichita, Kansas.
In 1989, David joined NBC's WTVJ in Miami. He covered big news events like Hurricane Andrew. He even chased away people trying to steal things after the hurricane. In 1991, he won an Emmy Award for his reporting. He also received the Peabody Award and the Edward R. Murrow Award for his hurricane coverage. These are very important awards in journalism.
In 1993, David joined NBC News in Chicago, Illinois. Later, in 1995, he moved to Los Angeles, California. He reported on presidential campaigns in 1996 and 2000. In 1997, he became NBC's reporter at the White House. Former President Clinton said that David's "integrity and good humor will be missed."
David reported on many major stories for NBC. These included the September 11 attacks and the Washington-area sniper shootings. He also covered the Bosnian War. Many people admired his dedication to reporting. In March 2000, David became a co-anchor of Weekend Today with Soledad O'Brien. He held this job until his death.
Reporting from Iraq and His Death
On April 6, 2003, David Bloom was in Iraq. He was covering the Iraq War with the U.S. 3d Infantry Division. He had a special vehicle called the "Bloom Mobile." This was a Ford F250 truck. It had special equipment that allowed him to broadcast live reports. He could send his news reports as the troops moved toward Baghdad.
David reported live, day and night, as the American troops moved across the desert. He often mentioned how cramped and hot it was inside the armored vehicles. He also talked about the lack of sleep.
He had been reporting in Iraq for several weeks. A blood clot formed in his leg. This is called deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The clot then traveled to his lungs, causing a fatal pulmonary embolism. This means the clot blocked an artery in his lungs. Being in cramped vehicles for long periods likely caused the clot. He even called his wife one night from a satellite phone. He risked being in hostile fire just to get out of the tank for a few minutes. His legs were cramping up badly.
The David Bloom Award
In 2006, the National Association of Radio and Television Broadcasters created an award. It is called The David Bloom Award. This award honors excellent reporting. ABC World News Tonight co-anchor Bob Woodruff received the first award.
