Harold Dow, a longtime news correspondent for CBS News’ 48 Hours show, passed away on Saturday. The official cause of death has not been determined, but speculation has been leaning toward a severe asthma attack. According to Current Movie Reviews, a rescue inhaler was found on the floor of his vehicle when he was discovered behind the wheel, according to CBS News. Dow worked for CBS for 40 years, including programs like CBS Evening News and CBS News Sunday Morning. Asthma takes the lives of 11 Americans every day, and it is believed that Dow died from adult onset asthma, according to a statement made by his family.
Memorable Moments
Harold Dow won five Emmy Awards, and had been with 48 Hours since the show’s launch in 1988, according to TV Guide. Dow was an investigative reporter, and his work was seen on some of the most horrific and baffling cases that had been unearthed by 48 Hours.
My most memorable moment was when Dow reported on the death of Scott Rhode and his interview with Traci. Traci Rhode and her husband lived in Brownsville, Texas, and his widow was arrested for his murder. The emotional case had taken its toll.
Traci loved her husband and was a nurse. Unfortunately for her marriage, Scott was very jealous and accused Traci of cheating on him many times with her co-workers. Even though he may have been abusive, Dow’s point-blank question asked why she stayed with him; her answer was that she loved him.
Dow was not afraid of being direct, even if the emotional issues were as shocking as being accused of your husband’s tragic death. An interview with the Texas Ranger who investigated the case was also poignant. He believed that Scott Rhode had been murdered, instead of committing suicide.
Harold Dow also asked her directly, “How come you didn’t do more?” He asked this because she was a nurse who didn’t perform first aid on her husband, according to police reports. Many of the interviews with Rhode’s widow were tearful and shocking.
Dow’s Personality
It takes a steely personality to put up with emotional people laying it on the line in front of television cameras. Dow’s gaze was always unwavering, and his personality was perfect for the type of investigative journalism in which he was involved.
Some cases dragged on for many years, and interviews happened even five years after events had passed. Dow’s resolve in getting emotional reactions from those closest to the cases was perfect in that he was calm and cool while his interviewees were bawling their eyes out.
I will miss Harold Dow’s deep-set eyes, which could stare into someone’s soul and get honest answers. His off-camera smile lit up any situation.
Current Movie Reviews, TV Guide, and CBS News provided information for this article.
