Body Found in Angeles National Forest Identified as Fox Reporter

The deceased man found in Angeles National Forest Sunday afternoon has now been identified as Fox 11 reporter and producer Martin Burns. He was 56.

Burns’ body was found by a hiker who was walking near Inspiration Point, north of Altadena in the Angeles National Forest.

The preliminary cause of death is listed as trauma sustained during a fall from the steep trail.

Fox Los Angeles posted tributes from several colleagues of Burns in the network, including the one from Vice President News Director Kingsley Smith.

“Martin Burns made me feel welcome in a new place. He made a personal difference in my professional life every day. Whenever he stopped by to share a story, I saw the deep passion and dedication in his work and projects,” Smith told the Fox. “He is on the short list of people that NO ONE ever complained about, ever. I will miss him. This newsroom will miss him. Our viewers will miss him.”

Investigative reporter Gina Silva related that she and Burns used to joke about their thrill to undergo retirement so they can start living a “life of leisure,” the Fox reported.

“We often talked about giving it all up. But truthfully, Martin loved what he did. He was passionate about his work, always putting in extra hours and even investigating stories on his time off,” Silva told the Fox. “His mission was simple: get some kind of justice for people who were scammed or hurt by a corrupt system. Yes, Martin’s heart was always in the right place.”

News Anchor Araksya Karapetyan called Burns “a colleague, a friend” who was honorable to work with.

“I had the honor of working with Martin on pieces I am very proud – investigative pieces on prescription drug fraud, welfare fraud, child care scams, illegal birthing centers, just to name a few,” Karapetyan told the Fox. “Working with him was incredibly fulfilling- it’s what being a journalist is all about- going out there, digging, researching, doing something for the community, by uncovering abuses in the system and giving the voiceless a voice.”

Burns is the producer of Fox’s investigative documentary titled “The Dangers of Marijuana.” He previously worked in KCET-TV before transferring to Fox.