Don Harris was born on August 9, 1936 in Georgia. He grew up with a passion for storytelling and a desire to make a difference in the world. It was this drive that would eventually lead him to a career in journalism.
Harris began his career in television news as a weatherman in North Carolina. Despite starting in a less prestigious role, he quickly showed his talent for reporting and storytelling. This led to opportunities for him to cover more serious news stories and eventually to a position at NBC News.
During his time at NBC News, Harris became known for his dedication to reporting the truth and his commitment to uncovering important stories. He won four Emmy Awards for his reporting and was recognized with the prestigious DuPont/Columbia Award for his journalistic excellence.
One of the most defining moments of his career came when he was assigned to cover the Jonestown commune in Guyana, led by cult leader Jim Jones. Harris and his crew were in Jonestown to investigate reports of human rights abuses and to interview cult members.
On November 18, 1978, tragedy struck when Harris and Congressman Leo Ryan were both murdered while attempting to leave Jonestown. They were ambushed by members of the cult, with Harris being gunned down as he tried to flee the compound. His death shocked the world and served as a stark reminder of the dangers journalists face in pursuit of the truth.
In conclusion, Don Harris was a journalist who dedicated his life to uncovering the truth and reporting on important issues. His untimely death in the Jonestown tragedy of 1978 serves as a reminder of the dangers journalists face in pursuit of the truth, and his legacy continues to inspire journalists around the world.