Veteran journalist Savaş Ay loses battle with cancer aged 59

ISTANBUL

Savaş Ay's 'A Takımı' cap became one of his inseparable accesories for the spectators. DHA photo

Savaş Ay, a veteran reporter particularly known for his popular news program "A Takımı" (A Team) that aired throughout the 1990s, passed away on Nov. 9 after a 14-year battle against throat cancer.

Inseparable from his famous hat, Ay became a familiar face while hosting the prime time show, which dealt with local news stories across Turkey.

Before "A Takımı," Ay worked for many years as a war reporter. He worked in war zones such as Afghanistan, Lebanon, and Rwanda during the genocide. In one of his final columns in daily Sabah in August, he wrote that he would be celebrating his 40th anniversary in the profession in October. 

Ay also wrote and directed a movie, "Dansöz," released in 2000.

However, due to the severity of his condition that affected his voice, he was unable to appear on television over the last few years of his life.

Ay was receiving treatment at Istanbul's Education and Research Hospital in Samatya for over one-and-a-half months before his death, Dogan News Agency reported. A new tumor had appeared on his throat and doctors urged him to undergo surgery, which he refused. His condition deteriorated on Nov. 9 leading to a heart failure, and Ay passed away despite all medical efforts.

In what would turn out to be his final column on Nov. 7, he celebrated the birthday of the iconic Lazuri musician Kazım Koyuncu, who passed away at the age of 33 due to lung cancer.

Tributes to Ay from fellow journalists are continuing to pour out on social media.