Sad news out of Baton Rouge as longtime WAFB broadcast journalist Paul Gates has passed away at the age of 69.

He died on Tuesday night with his wife, Michele, and his three adult children by his side. Gates had battled Alzheimer's disease for the last few years.

Gates retired from WAFB in 2011 after 34 years with the station. During that time he held a number of roles, from anchoring the 5pm news to his signature investigative reports. He also co-hosted a twice-weekly cooking segment with Chef John Folse.

Some of Gates’ professional honors included receiving a lifetime achievement award from the Louisiana Association of Broadcasters and being named “Reporter of the Year” by the Louisiana Associated Press in 1994.

“Paul was always fun to be around, but he knew when it was time to get his sleeves rolled up,” WAFB News Director Robb Hays said. “He was well-respected by everyone here.”

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