THE death of highly regarded reporter Brian Hutton has been described as "a tragedy for his family and huge loss to journalism".
Regarded as a "master of the reporter’s craft", the Derry-born writer (46) is understood to have died suddenly on New Year’s Eve after taking unwell.
He spent more than two decades in journalism, beginning his career with the Belfast Telegraph, and later working for the Daily Mirror, providing northwest coverage, and was deputy news editor of the Press Association for more than 10 years.
He had recently been working for The Irish Times as a freelance journalist and was a founding co-director of independent radio company Old Yard Productions.
Irish president Michael D Higgins led tributes. Mr Higgins tweeted: “May I express my deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the late Brian Hutton.
“Brian was a fine journalist and known as a brilliant colleague with a reputation for reliability and a sensitive nature. He will be missed by so many.”
PA Media’s editor in chief Pete Clifton said: “Everyone at PA was shocked to learn of Brian’s sudden death.
“He was a very fine reporter for us, always dedicated and professional, and a pleasure to work with.
“He had a keen news sense, a beautiful turn of phrase and was a highly-valued part of the PA team for more than a decade.
“We send our deepest condolences to his family.”
Ruadhán Mac Cormaic, editor of The Irish Times, said Mr Hutton was "a superb journalist whose sharp news instinct, observational skill and natural curiosity meant his byline invariably appeared on the biggest and most important stories".
"He was also great company: warm, open, interested in other people," he said.
Former PA Ireland editor Deric Henderson said Mr Hutton as "hugely gifted".
"He went about his business quietly, free of drama or any fuss, and never failed to meet a deadline, no matter how tight," he told the Irish Times.
"He had a lovely manner and that’s probably why he was so good at his job. He got on well with people. They liked him."
SDLP MLA Mark H Durkan described Mr Hutton as an "esteemed" journalist.
"I have known Brian since we were teenagers and have really enjoyed catching up when our professional paths have crossed over the years though his work for Press Association and The Irish Times," he wrote on social media.
"I respected him hugely as a journalist and as a man."
Numerous tributes have been paid online to Mr Hutton, particularly from former colleagues and fellow journalists.
David Young, PA Ireland editor, said Mr Hutton was "a great journalist and a great man", adding he was "proud to have counted Brian as a friend and colleague".
Journalist Martin Cowley said "Brian’s death is a tragedy for his family and huge loss to journalism".
"Reporters of his calibre are the backbone of news outlets’ work and reputation," he wrote on Twitter.
"They cover stories big and small with honesty, clarity, sensitivity and flair. That was Brian Hutton, a master of the reporter’s craft."
Jennifer O'Leary from the BBC said "Brian was an incredibly talented journalist and a genuinely kind man", while Séamus Dooley of the NUJ said Mr Hutton was a "journalist of empathy and integrity" adding that he was "a professional to his fingertips, always a joy to meet".
Funeral arrangements had not been announced.
