We're sad to report that long-time Grand Rapids' news reporter Lee Van Ameyde has died. He was 66 years old.

Lee spent 39 years on WZZM-13. He was both an anchor and a Watchdog reporter.

Lee lived his life doing what he loved since his was a child. To him, covering the news was not work, it was a calling. However, his greatest passion was family. He was a loving husband and father. He believed in a better future for all, and that our best days were ahead. But with Lee’s passing, some very fine days are behind us. We look forward to the day we will see him again, clear of mind, strong and sure, and laughing again.

Van Ameyde is survived by his wife, Jan, and two children, Kendall and Alex.

Visitation for Lee will be held Thursday, Sept. 26 at Metcalf & Jonkhoff funeral home from 4–8PM. A GoFundMe has been set up to help the family with funeral and medical costs.

Lee's long time co-host, Juliette Dragos, broke the news to West Michigan and shared a heartfelt farewell:

 

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