NAHJ mourns the sudden passing of Frank del Olmo, an associate editor and columnist for the Los Angeles Times. The award-winning journalist and NAHJ member died Feb. 19 of an apparent heart-attack at the age of 55.

Del Olmo began his career at The Times as an intern in 1970 after graduating with a journalism degree from California State University, Northridge. He quickly climbed the ranks at the paper during his 33-year career, working as a staff writer specializing in Latino issues and Latin American affairs, an editorial writer, deputy editor of the editorial page, and a Times-Mirror Foundation director. In 1998, del Olmo was named an associate editor, the first Latino to be among the paper's top newsroom executives.

"Frank del Olmo was a pioneer who burst open the door for scores of Latino journalists who have followed in his footsteps," said NAHJ President Juan Gonzalez. "He was truly devoted to the Latino community and to improving the overall quality of journalism. He will be sorely missed."

In 1984, Del Olmo shared a Pulitzer Prize for the series "Southern California's Latino Community." He was inducted into NAHJ's Hall of Fame in 2002.

The NAHJ board of directors, staff, and members express our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Frank del Olmo. Today, we pay tribute to him and continue to be inspired by his life.