USA, New York, March 30, 2020 -- Longtime CBS journalist Maria Mercader has died in a New York hospital after contracting Covid-19. She was fighting cancer and other related illnesses for 20 years. For Maria, the deadly virus proved to be fatal. It is alarming that COVID-19 is more threatening for those who are already struggling to survive due to chronic illnesses.

The Coalition For Women In Journalism is deeply saddened at the loss of an incredible veteran journalist. We send our thoughts to her loved ones in this difficult time.

CBS news producer Maria had been on medical leave for an unrelated matter since late February. She was 54 years old and covered news at CBS News for nearly three decades. She helped build the current strategy for the network's correspondents and reporters.

In 2004, Maria won an Emmy award for her work producing a "CBS Sunday Morning" report on computer spam.

CBS and many of Maria’s colleagues have been mourning the loss of a cherished journalist. Former CBS News anchor Dan Rather tweeted that she succumbed to the coronavirus, and CBS Evening News also grieved her death.

Maria began working for CBS News in 1987, where she contributed to the national and foreign desks. 

Her colleagues miss her dearly and have only good things to say about her.

"Maria was a friend to all," said Laurie Orlando, senior vice president of talent at CBS News. "It's nearly impossible to be someone EVERYONE loves, but Maria was. She always had a warm hug, a word of advice or support and a big smile for everyone in her life. She was a bright light and will be sorely missed."

Manuel Bojorquez, a CBS News correspondent based in Miami, said she was “as inspiring and lovely as any human being could be.”

“The Maria we are privileged to call family and friend knew better than most the power of relationships, loyalty, faith, kindness, perseverance and a smile, even when a smile defied the darkness of the moment,” Ingrid Ciprian-Matthews, EVP of strategic professional development at CBS News, said in a statement. 

“Her notable professional contributions are part of the CBS Archives, but it is her magnificent human spirit that touched so many of us, that will stay with us forever.” she added.

We are devastated about Maria’s passing. We offer our condolences to her family and friends during this time of grief.