Remembering cameraman Derek Williams, "the mate you would want in any war zone"
Summary
Derek Williams, a longtime CBS News cameraman known for covering major events in Asia for 40 years, has died at age 79. He reported on historic moments like the Vietnam War and Tiananmen Square massacre and was praised for his bravery and skill by colleagues.Key Facts
- Derek Williams worked for CBS News as a cameraman for about 40 years, mostly in Asia.
- He covered important events such as the Vietnam War, Tiananmen Square massacre, the first Iraq War, and Beirut massacres.
- In 1989, Williams and correspondent Richard Roth were detained briefly during the Tiananmen Square crackdown but were later released.
- Williams married his Vietnamese girlfriend as Saigon fell in 1975, using poker winnings to bribe officials to arrange the wedding.
- Former CBS News president Susan Zirinsky described Williams as an intuitive and brave cameraman who was a great human being.
- Williams suffered from Parkinson’s disease and was recently diagnosed with cancer before his death.
- He lived in California after leaving Asia but returned to New Zealand to be near family as his health declined.
- Colleagues remembered him as a mentor, friend, and a cameraman who knew how to stay safe in dangerous situations.
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