Beloved LA morning news anchor Chris Burrous found dead in a motel room of suspected overdose aged 43 as colleagues pay tribute to 'great journalist'

Chris Burrous, a beloved fixture on KTLA 5's Morning News, has died aged 43 after being found unconscious in a California motel on Thursday.

Glendale police said in a statement that the broadcaster's death is being investigated as a possible overdose, but that they are awaiting the coroner's report for confirmation. 

'Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Burrous family,' KTLA President and General Manager Don Corsini and News Director Jason Ball said in a joint statement on Thursday. 

'Chris loved sharing the stories of Southern California and connecting with our viewers. 

'He will be remembered as a great journalist and a wonderful friend to many. He brought a kindness to his work and will be deeply missed by the entire KTLA family.'

The father-of-one was found unresponsive at the Days Inn around 1.15pm Thursday. 

Chris Burrous leaves behind his wife Mai Do-Burrous and their daughter, 9-year-old Isabella

Glendale firefighters administered CPR and Burrous was taken to hospital, but he died there a short while later. 

He joined KTLA in 2011 having previously worked as a reporter and news-anchor in outlets across the U.S.

He married fellow journalist Mai Do-Burrous in 2003 and the couple had one daughter, Isabella, 9.