Chauncy Glover Remembered as Being 'More Than Just a Local News Anchor'

The late anchor's family announced his death to CBS affiliate KCAL, where he worked for just over a year, on Tuesday, Nov. 5

Abigail Adams is a Human Interest Writer and Reporter for PEOPLE. She has been working in journalism for seven years.

Chauncy Glover, the Los Angeles news anchor who died “unexpectedly” at 39, is being remembered as a “real-life hero" and “kind soul” by those who knew him.

Glover's family announced the anchor’s death to CBS affiliate KCAL, where he was an anchor for just over a year, on Tuesday, Nov. 5. His family said the Emmy award-winner "was a beacon of light in our lives and a true hero to his community."

Pat Harvey, one of four colleagues who remembered Glover during an on-air tribute, described Glover as “a bright light” in the newsroom, who loved to call her “Aunty Pat.”

"Chauncy Glover was more than just a local news anchor,” Harvey said over several clips from Glover’s stories. “He was a devoted community leader, with a heart of doing what it takes for making our communities a better place to live.”

Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle via Getty

Glover dreamed of becoming a news anchor at a young age, and said in an archival video shared by the station that he always loved “telling stories.”

“I knew this was something I wanted to do early on, and it’s a passion,” Glover said in the clip.

In that same video, Glover spoke about founding The Chauncy Glover Project, which helps mentor young boys of color from the inner city, describing the work he did with the nonprofit organization as his “life’s purpose.”

“Chauncy’s compassion and dedication to helping others, especially through the Chauncy Glover Project, changed countless lives and inspired so many young men to pursue their dreams,” his family wrote in a statement.

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According to the Los Angeles Times, he was the first main Black male news anchor at Houston's ABC affiliate KTRK-TV, and while reporting on Hurricane Harvey in 2017, he helped rescue a pregnant woman. According to the station, he was still there when she gave birth, holding her hand.

Additionally, Glover was a 2016 Angelo B. Henderson Community Service Award honoree and past NABJ Salute to Excellence award winner, according to a statement from the National Association of Black Journalists.

Members of the NABJ remembered Glover as a “kind soul” and “great encourager.”

Glover's former co-anchor Mayra Moreno also paid tribute to the man she once worked with at KTRK-TV. She said she "instantly connected" with Glover when they began working together several years ago.

"Two minorities who wanted nothing more but to succeed," Moreno wrote in a post on X. In another post, she said, "My heart is crushed and I simply do not believe it. Hope @ChauncyOnTV has finally found peace."

Fellow KTRK-TV anchor Erica Simon posted a tribute to Glover on Instagram, describing him as “one of the best friends” she's ever had. “He was generous. He was a perfectionist. He was one of the best news men I’ve ever encountered."

KTRK-TV reporter Rosie Nguyen said on X that she was "shocked," "heartbroken" and "devastated" over the death of her former colleague, while meteorologist Elita Loresca said Glover "was like a brother to me."

Desiree Stone/FilmMagic

Dani Ruberti, who joined KCAL around the same time as Glover, said during the segment that her colleague had a “way of making people feel so loved and so special."

Glover was also remembered for his infectious laugh, which Ruberti said made everyone laugh around him. “He will be missed so much by all of us here at KCAL,” anchor Suzie Suh said.

When reached by PEOPLE on Friday, Nov. 8, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office said Glover's cause of death was pending.