Longtime WISN 12 reporter and beloved local news figure Mike Anderson has died. 

As first reported by WISN 12, Anderson passed away on Tuesday morning. He was 67 years old. No cause of death has been officially reported as of publication.

A New Orleans native, Anderson came to WISN 12 and Milwaukee in 1981 after working as an anchor and reporter for KIRO-TV in Seattle. Anderson's career in Brew City would thrive for more than 35 years, becoming one of local media's most recognizable faces and guiding voices before retiring in 2017, making the occasional return to the network in the summer season to help cover notable events – often times donning his signature and iconic hat. 

"Mike Anderson was a transformative figure in the history of television news in Milwaukee," said WISN news director Ben Hart in a statement. "In his storied career, he broke class and color barriers and set the tone for what professionalism looks like. His legacy is clear. Mike had a commitment to fairness, straightforward reporting and relentless pursuit of the truth.

"The WISN 12 family is devastated by his sudden passing. But his contributions as a voice for Milwaukee will be a lasting testament to his impact for years to come."

Shortly after his death was announced, figures from the Milwaukee media community and beyond took to social media to pay tribute to their colleague and friend.

I'm at a loss for words. Mike was a special person. A friend who would light up the room with his smile and captivate us with his stories. He was a warm, gentle and genuine person. Shocked and stunned don't even begin to describe the feelings right now. https://t.co/Hh06qXMTZh

— Patrick Paolantonio (@ppaolantonio) April 21, 2020

I’m in SHOCK...my friend and coworker Mike Anderson suddenly passed away. He was THE NICEST guy and the coolest person in the newsroom. Mike was a Milwaukee TV icon and I’m going to MISS HIM so much. This is a sad day for many of us @WISN12News and our city. #HatsOffToMike pic.twitter.com/XM21psIvsQ — Stephanie J. Sutton (@Steph__Sutton) April 21, 2020

I'm saddened by the loss of a class act and Milwaukee TV legend Mike Anderson. Mike was a fantastic storyteller & everything about his craft was smooth. He often gave me some of the best advice growing up in this business. My heart goes out to the @WISN12News team. #MikeAnderson pic.twitter.com/AIJtcxsi7r — Marcus Smith (@MarcusSmithKTLA) April 21, 2020

I was lucky enough in my career to share a newsroom and learn from one of the icons in our business. I’m saddened to hear Mike Anderson passed suddenly. My prayers to his family and the @WISN12News family in this difficult time. He always called me "Lukester". #gonetoosoon — Luke Sampe (@LukeSampe) April 21, 2020

.@MCSOSheriff Earnell Lucas reflects in the passing of Mike Anderson #MikeAnderson @WISN12News pic.twitter.com/MwqOeeUo9B — Derrick Rose (@DRoseTV) April 21, 2020

I'm saddened by the loss of a class act and Milwaukee TV legend Mike Anderson. Mike was a fantastic storyteller & everything about his craft was smooth. He often gave me some of the best advice growing up in this business. My heart goes out to the @WISN12News team. #MikeAnderson pic.twitter.com/AIJtcxsi7r — Marcus Smith (@MarcusSmithKTLA) April 21, 2020

Mike was such a light in our newsroom and in this community. He was so welcoming to me and other new journalists. I feel blessed to have known him.

Rest easy, Mike.https://t.co/3sUIWk4IrA — Ben Wagner (@WISN_Ben) April 21, 2020

Mike Anderson was one of kindest, most humble+obviously most stylish journalists in MKE. I was once at a scene, a man flagged me down+asked "Is Mike Anderson here?" He drove to share a tip. He wouldn’t share it with me. I aspired to one day have that credibility. #hatsofftoMike https://t.co/mZ3Huom7MZ

— Ben Handelman (@BenHandelman) April 21, 2020

I am in shock. As a J major at UW-Madison back when, Mike Anderson was such a huge role model. I wanted to give ppl voice, just like Mike. Yrs later, I got to meet and know him. His impacts on journalism, black journalists and mke are immeasurable. https://t.co/uh6qAfnrtp — Kim Murphy (@kmpossiblemke) April 21, 2020

Mike Anderson was gentle & genuine. For part of my time at TMJ4 News we covered the same beat. We spent the day trying to scoop each other on the day's big story, but at the end of our live shots each evening, we'd hug it out and talk about our families. He was a true gentleman. — John Mercure (@JohnMercure) April 21, 2020

My heart hurts. Mike Anderson, my ⁦@WISN12News⁩ coanchor, mentor, friend, uniter, gentleman and humble, quiet leader has died. Rest In Peace, Mike. You will be sorely missed. pic.twitter.com/Y6VoAY6dK8 — Rebecca Kleefisch (@RebeccaforReal) April 21, 2020

Walking into the station today felt very empty. Even though Mike was retired you could still feel his presence here. He made such an impact. I will miss him calling me "Marky Mark" every time we saw each other. Please keep Mike's family in your prayers.https://t.co/cSxK64WKt6 — Mark Baden (@Mark_Baden) April 21, 2020

Anderson was an empathetic voice for every community in the city, an inspiration to new and upcoming generations of black journalists, and an essential figure in telling Milwaukee's story for more than three decades. He will be profoundly missed – and OnMilwaukee passes along its deepest condolences to his family and friends during this trying time.