GoFundMe raises nearly $70K after Fox News, Fox Business producer dies from coronavirus

A GoFundMe account for the family of a Fox News and Fox Business Network producer who died of coronavirus over the weekend has raised nearly $70,000 in less than 24 hours. 

Eric Spinato, who worked as a booking producer, story editor and in several other roles during two stints with the network dating back to 1998, died over the weekend from complications stemming from coronavirus. He was 52. 

In a memo to staff Monday, Fox News Media CEO Suzanne Scott, President Jay Wallace and Fox Business President Lauren Petterson applauded Spinato’s “immeasurable” contributions to the “growth and entrepreneurial success” of the network.

“Just a few of his many accomplishments are leading interviews with President Trump in the Oval Office and bringing Morning’s with Maria to the Department of Treasury live – a first for the Treasury Department,” Spinato’s brother wrote in the GoFundMe description. “He had a gift for booking the foremost luminaries in the business world. With all the hard work that goes into making a network thrive, which Eric certainly helped do, he still managed to make everyone smile and was sure that everyone was happy.” 

Spinato is survived by his two teenage sons. 

“There are no words that work to say how much he will be missed and how many people’s lives will be impacted by this terrible loss,” his brother Dean Spinato said. “I am reaching out to try and raise some money for his boys, to help with funeral expenses, college expenses or anything else that they may need that Eric can no longer enjoy.” 

Fox News leadership said in its memo this week Spinato had a reputation for charitability and positive outreach when it came to younger staffers at the network and often displayed a selfless attitude while on the job. 

“Many of us can probably recall the cheerful greetings and outreach we received from Eric over his many years here,” they wrote. 

News of Spinato’s passing this week sparked condolences and well-wishes from around the political journalism and communications landscape. 

“I hope that, in his memory, people will help this family be able to grieve this tremendous loss and not have to worry about how to cover their expenses,” Dean Spinato said. 

Updated at 2:30 p.m.