Dominic Di-Natale, a globetrotting journalist whose work at Fox News Channel and other news organizations took him to Usama bin Laden’s compound, demonstrations in Egypt’s Tahrir Square and, more recently, to the scene of racially charged riots in Ferguson, Mo., has died.
The coroner in Jefferson County, Colo., where Di-Natale owned property, said the veteran journalist took his own life. Officials discovered Di-Natale's body Wednesday after being alerted by a friend who knew of his state of mind regarding serious undisclosed health issues.
Di-Natale, 43, a versatile reporter comfortable at the keyboard or in front of the camera, began his career as a magazine writer in Portugal in 1989, making a name for himself with his fearless coverage of the European drug trade. He returned to the United Kingdom in 1995, where he did freelance work for several national newspapers before taking a position as correspondent for BBC World, working out of Brussels, Dubai, Frankfurt, London and New York.
He began working for Fox News in 2007, covering international news for Fox News Channel, FoxNews.com, and often contributing to business and economic coverage for Fox Business Network.
“We were extremely saddened to learn of Dominic’s passing and send our deepest condolences to his family and friends,” said a statement from a Fox News spokesperson. “He was an esteemed journalist and an integral part of our news coverage throughout the Middle East.”
Di-Natale also studied Arabic at Damascus University in 2008, and while in Syria, established and ran a course for young Syrian entrepreneurs. In September, 2008, he traveled to Baghdad to report for Fox News. Over the next several years, Di-Natale shuttled between the U.S. and the Middle East, reporting for Fox News and working on independent projects.
In 2011, after Al Qaeda leader Usama bin Laden was killed at his Abbottabad compound, Di-Natale provided coverage of the raid's aftermath, including an exclusive interview with Shakil Afridi, the doctor who helped U.S. agents verify Bin Laden's presence, and who remains imprisoned in Pakistan to this day. Di-Natale most recently worked as a freelancer out of the Fox News West Coast bureau in Los Angeles, before resigning his position on Nov. 30.
Di-Natale is survived by his father, Camillo Di-Natale, of Portugal.
FNC's Greta Van Susteren via Facebook: My colleague Dominic Di-Natale took his life. He was struggling with a health problem that was apparently overwhelming. Needless to say, those of us who knew him, are heartbroken. These things are very tough. It is very tough for Adam Housley - they were office mates and good friends. Just a short time ago, we - including you - watched him report from Ferguson and now this news. He emailed me a few weeks ago asking if I wanted his cats because he knows I love animals. I thought it odd but obviously missed that clue. He had an excuse - that he had to move out of his place in LA. I never dreamed he was just making his plans and taking care of things. I told you, this is tough for us.
He was my friend, colleague and we shared a love of 80's music. He will be truly missed.... http://t.co/6GnGoP2M11
— Adam Housley (@adamhousley) December 12, 2014
I can't believe this. I am stunned and heartbroken. I will miss you, Dom. We all will. http://t.co/mIFCc2Xuum
— Janice Dean (@JaniceDean) December 12, 2014
So sad to hear Fox's Dominic Di-Natale has died. A great reporter, who off-air was always trying to help US troops. I will miss him.
— Megyn Kelly (@megynkelly) December 12, 2014
