TV reporter's son pays heart-wrenching on-air tribute to his late father: 'You will always be my hero'

The teenage son of beloved showbiz reporter and KTLA anchor Sam Rubin has paid tribute to his father who died suddenly on Friday after being rushed to hospital in Los Angeles. 

Sam Rubin, 64, suffered a heart attack at his home after doing his regular Hollywood news segment in the morning.

On Monday, Sam's 16-year-old son Colby bravely sat together on the same set where his father sat only last week alongside his dad's KTLA co-anchors as he paid tribute to his father.

Colby, who is one of four children, choked up several times during the seven-minute heart-wrenching segment as he read a letter aloud that was addressed personally to his dad.

It left those gathered around the anchor desk in tears, as staff at the local television station grieve Rubin's death, who had been with TV channel since 1991.

Cory Rubin, 16, the teenage son of TV reporter Sam Rubin paid tribute after his sudden death from a heart attack in Los Angeles

The emotional segment left Rubin's colleagues at the anchor desk in tears

Rubin began working at KTLA 33 years ago and became a regular on red carpets and on the station's morning show, often doing live interviews with stars who stopped by 

'The outpouring [of support] has been tremendous,' Colby said during the broadcast on KTLA. 'And people I didn't even know are reaching out… I was on a trip with my dad and people from that trip from a different country were like "we're so sorry" so it's like a reunion.' 

Colby then read part of a letter he had penned to his late father live on TV.

'Hi Dad, I wrote this under the desk in your cubicle where you used to catch me sleeping, only you weren't there to wake me up this time,' Colby began. 

'Dad, I can't believe you're gone. You'll never pick me up from school again, we'll never get to go biking, we'll never argue about food, you won't be at my wedding. I can't believe you are gone. 

'I love you so much. You were the kindest soul. The were the light in every room. I can’t imagine my life without you.

'You took me to every Boy Scout meeting. Every physical therapy appointment. Every trip to Disney.

'I wish more than anything I could show you how grateful I am and how much I love you. I can’t believe you are gone,' he added as the emotion grew.

'You were an incredible father and friend. On our car rides you told me so much about life. About your work, about how you woke up ever day and got to do what you love.

'I idolized you. You were and are - you will always be my hero. And I never got to tell you, and I am so sorry about that.' 

Cory, left, had been on a trip with his dad, Sam, right when he passed away suddenly

The emotion was simply too much for Rubin's fellow anchors Jessica Holmes, Mark Kriski, Frank Buckley and Dayna Devon who were visibly emotional.

'You always knew what to say and you helped me so much through life. You helped me every day and encouraged me. I am completely who I am because of you. You were always smiling and laughing and you were everything good in the world. 

'I can't believe I lost you. You took care of me and helped others around you. You instilled within me a moral compass and values that I will hold myself to throughout my life. Dad I am so proud to be your son. You are a beautiful human and will never be forgotten.  Dad I love you. I am so lost without you. I will miss you every single day.

'He's never gone. He has this online footprint of over 30 years, so I always have somewhere to turn to.' 

Sam Rubin of KTLA and son Colby Rubin who was nine at the time are seen at a Star Wars movie in December 2016 

Rubin, left, is seen alongside his co-workers taking part in a charity bike ride in 2011

Cory, right, is pictures alongside his siblings, Rory, Perry and Darcy

In response to Colby's touching tribute, the anchors said: 'You've got a lot of aunts and uncles here. We have got you. We have got your back.'

Rubin began working at KTLA 33 years ago and became a regular on red carpets and on the station's morning show, often doing live interviews with stars who stopped by to promote their latest projects.

Rubin also worked with Australian breakfast shows Today and Today Extra and This Morning in the United Kingdom.

He had received multiple Emmy awards, a Golden Mic Award for best entertainment reporter and a lifetime achievement award from the Southern California Broadcasters Association.

He was also named best entertainment reporter by the Los Angeles Press Club. 

Colby was hugged by co-workers who have pledged to be by his side as he grieves his father

Veteran reporter Sam Rubin died at the age of 64 after a heart attack in Los Angeles on Friday

Colby told how his father was always by his side, supporting him in his ventures

By all accounts Rubin was a colleague who was fun to be around 

The reporter, who was last on air on Friday, worked at KTLA since 1991, covering entertainment, movies and TV (pictured on KTLA 5 with his former colleagues)

Rubin interviewed some of the world's most famous celebrities throughout his career

Rubin's last interview was with Jane Seymour, 73. After learning of the reporter's passing Seymour penned, 'It's hard to believe that just yesterday I was with [Sam Rubin]. I'm deeply saddened by the news of his passing... 'You will be missed Sam'

A tribute marquee to the sudden loss of legendary news anchor Sam Rubin is seen at KTLA

In 2013, Rubin was awarded the National Hispanic Media Coalition’s Impact Award for outstanding integrity in broadcast journalism. 

His last interview was with Jane Seymour, 73, who was promoting season three of her Acorn show Harry Wilde. 

After learning of the reporter's passing Seymour penned, 'It's hard to believe that just yesterday I was with [Sam Rubin]. I'm deeply saddened by the news of his passing.'

Ryan Reynolds spoke of Rubin's kindness and professionalism.   

'Even if I was on my 85th interview that day, I was always happy to see Sam. Even if HE was on his 85th interview that day, he always brought genuine kindness, curiosity and an outside the box question,' the Deadpool actor said. 

Selma Blair recalled: 'You were my first on air interview, and one of my last. I feel so fortunate to have watched you and known you for so many years. 

'Oh Sam! This is a sad moment, to know you are not here on this Earth. Your memory will be a blessing. Another beloved favorite! Thank you for your humanity.'