Veteran AP Journalist Dies at 52

Minneapolis, MN — Adam Pemble, the acclaimed Associated Press video journalist whose work captured some of the most pivotal moments in recent history, has passed away at the age of 52.

Known for his eye-catching storytelling, Pemble died Thursday in Minneapolis, surrounded by loved ones. His death follows a brave battle with cancer.

“Adam was an incredibly talented and passionate journalist,” said Sara Gillesby, AP’s Director of Global Video. “He had this amazing ability to get anyone to talk to him on camera. He was the best of us.”

Pemble, who joined the AP in 2007, covered global events from natural disasters to political upheaval, infusing each story with the humanity and insight he was known for. He was the embodiment of old-school journalistic values — meeting deadlines while creating visually compelling and emotionally resonant content. His storytelling wasn’t just about the events, but about the people behind the headlines.

Born in Saint Louis Park, Minnesota, Pemble grew up in Minneapolis. His career began in 1997 at Fargo’s KVLY television station before he moved on to WCCO in Minneapolis.

“He had the skills of the old-school camera people to meet a deadline and turn a beautiful story,” said Arthur Phillips, a cameraman who worked alongside Pemble.

But it wasn’t long before Pemble’s talents took him to bigger stories. His move to New York marked the beginning of his coverage of some of the world’s most significant news events, including the aftermath of the 2010 Haiti earthquake, the trial of Bernie Madoff, and exclusive interviews with figures like former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

In 2011, Pemble’s work took him to Prague, where he was integral to the AP’s first cross-format operation, blending photography, text, and video. His work focused heavily on Eastern Europe, where his coverage of political unrest, protests, and elections helped reshape the region’s media narrative.

Sandy MacIntyre, the former AP head of global video, praised Pemble’s talent, saying, “An inquiring mind, a keen eye, and a healthy skepticism for those in power made Adam’s stories as rich in color as he was in character.”

In 2014, when Ukraine was embroiled in civil unrest, Pemble’s reporting from Kyiv, Donetsk, and Crimea captured the intensity and human cost of the crisis. He documented the Ukrainian sailors abandoning their ship during Russia’s annexation of Crimea, a haunting moment that remains one of his most memorable pieces.

His return to Ukraine in 2022, covering the devastating Russian invasion, once again demonstrated his dedication to documenting history in real time.

“Adam showed up to every assignment with enthusiasm, creativity, and commitment to his work,” said Julie Pace, AP’s Executive Editor. “He loved what he did, and so many of us at AP are better for having worked alongside him.”

Even when not on assignment, Pemble’s passion for storytelling extended to his home in Prague, where he captured the quirky, the poignant, and the uniquely local moments that others missed. From Christmas carp fishing at sunrise to graffiti artists making their mark in the heart of Prague, his work painted a vivid portrait of the everyday world around him.

His legacy includes pioneering new technologies in news coverage. In 2015, he made history as the first major news agency cameraman to film live drone footage during the migration crisis in the Balkans. Always a step ahead, Pemble embraced the future of journalism while staying rooted in the timeless art of storytelling.

Friends and colleagues remember Pemble as much for his humor and warmth as for his groundbreaking work. “If someone asked me to see a picture of quiet strength and courage, dignity and grace, and most of all kindness, I would show them a picture of Adam Pemble,” said Dan Huff, an AP video journalist.

Outside of work, Pemble was a man of eclectic tastes, with hobbies ranging from rooftop gardening to savoring both dive bar fare and Michelin-starred dishes. His wit, energy, and positivity were infectious, leaving an indelible mark on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Pemble’s passing leaves a void in the world of journalism, but his work and legacy will continue to inspire future generations of storytellers. He was, as his colleagues put it, “the best of us.”