Fernando González, who spent decades covering and directing major stories for The Associated Press across Latin America, has died at age 60 in Havana after suffering a heart attack. He's remembered as being strong and compassionate in crisis situations.
González, 60, died at his home early Monday after suffering a heart attack, Cuba’s forensic medicine director said.
Born in Uruguay, González graduated from high school in Santiago, Chile, and then attended the University of Miami. He worked for a local radio station before eventually moving into news production, often freelancing for The Associated Press in Latin America.González joined the AP full time in 2002 as senior producer for television news in Havana. He moved to Washington, D.C.
“And he probably knew Latin America better than anyone,” said Snow, who worked with González in Cuba and Mexico. She is currently an AP writer in Phoenix. Nico Maounis, head of special news events for AP’s broadcast services, recalled Gonzalez as the consummate deal broker, gaining the AP access to everyone from presidents and other high officials to the simple man on the street.