Teaneck Native, Award-Winning Journalist Dies At 32

TEANECK, N.J. – Journalist Michael Feeney’s work resume was a who’s who of New York metro area publications, and the 32-year-old no doubt left his mark on the world of news reporting in his accomplished career.

The Teaneck native died Sunday from kidney failure after a staph infection, according to multiple reports.

Feeney was most recently a reporter with the New York Daily News, but was headed to Atlanta to work for CNN.com as an entertainment writer, according to northjersey.com. Feeney checked in to Holy Name Medical Center in Teaneck with stomach pains and delayed the start of his new job at CNN.com, the report said.

Feeney graduated Teaneck High School and Delaware State University. He worked for The Record of Bergen County from 2006 to 2009 when he left for the Daily News.

A member of the National Association of Black Journalists, Feeney was awarded the organization’s Emerging Journalist of the Year before taking on the role of President of the New York Chapter.

“I am shocked to learn of Michael’s passing. He was a respected leader within NABJ having served with distinction as chapter president of the New York Association of Black Journalists for years. His leadership led to that chapter receiving the NABJ Chapter of the Year Award,” NABJ President Sarah Glover said in a statement. “He was a tenacious journalist who possessed a passion and energy for telling stories reflective of diverse communities -- stories which otherwise might not have been told.”

Funeral arrangements are still pending.

Pictured: Michael Feeney. Photo Credit: Michael Feeney’s public Facebook page.