British journalist Rod Liddle, who served as a columnist for the Sunday Timesand The Sun, died after a short illness at the age of 66 on Sunday, August 2, 2026, his family confirmed.
He died at the James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough; however, no cause of death or the details about the brief illness have been revealed yet.
Tributes started pouring in for the veteran journalist as soon as the news of his passing spread. In an emotional statement to News UK, his children Wilder, Tyler and Emily, expressed grief and shock over the sudden death of their father.
The siblings said: “We’re all very saddened and shocked at the sudden passing of our wonderful father. He raised us much as you might imagine, to be inquisitive, brave and always humorous. Even in the hospital in the last few weeks, he consistently held the room and never let the awful situation show.”
Liddle’s children appeared proud of his legacy as they stated that he will remain their guide to live an extraordinary life.
CEO of News UK Rebekah Brooks, along with all the staff at UK News, was “saddened and shocked” by the sudden death of Liddle. She paid a heartfelt tribute to the columnist, describing him as “an inimitable journalistic force, brilliant, provocative and immensely talented.”
She continued that Liddle left an indelible mark on British journalism as he challenged conventional thinking and was an “uncompromised voice.”
“Our thoughts and sincerest condolences are with his family and loved ones,” Brooks added.
The Sun’s Editor-in-Chief Victoria Newton also paid tribute to the journalist, describing him as “a brilliant, fearless champion of press freedom, a terrific observer of the frailties and biases of politics, and a journalist of immense intellect.”
She added that everyone at The Sun will remember him for his warmth and humour.
2026-08-03 19:32:00
