Former CNN Digital Asia Director Marc Lourdes dies, age 40

Marc Lourdes, the former Asia-Pacific director of CNN Digital Worldwide, was killed in a motorbike accident in Malaysia on Saturday. He was 40 years old at the time.

Lourdes joined CNN's Hong Kong newsroom in 2016 and quickly rose through the ranks to become a respected leader and trusted friend to colleagues around the region.
Many young journalists looked up to him as a mentor, and he pushed them to pursue ambitious stories that made a difference.
Lourdes was a key figure in CNN's digital development in Asia and a staunch supporter of the region's relevance in the global news agenda throughout his tenure there.

Lourdes left CNN in 2018 to return to Malaysia, where he worked for satellite television operator Astro as vice president and head of Indian content. He joined Tatler as Asia digital content director in October of last year.
Lourdes was a beloved friend to many and a loving spouse to her wife, Darshini.

"Marc Lourdes was my entire world. Always the rock, always the courageous, always the strong. The sharpest man, the funniest one "Darshini said.
"He made my heart sing, and I'd like to believe he affected and lifted the lives of everyone he came into contact with. He was devoted to his family, friends, and the pursuit of happiness. Nothing will be able to replace the void left by his departure."
Lourdes passed away just a few days before their tenth wedding anniversary.

"I find comfort in the knowledge that he died doing what he loved most, riding his bike and enjoying life," Darshini added.
The news of Lourdes' death echoed throughout various Asian newsrooms, demonstrating the impact he had on his former colleagues.

Lourdes started his career in journalism with the Star in Malaysia, then moved on to the New Straits Times and Yahoo, where he was editor-in-chief, before relocating to Hong Kong and CNN.
"His passion and thought leadership on journalism, digital content, and the people who make it shone through when he was on stage at industry and company events," said Andrew Demaria, current vice president, executive creative director at NBC Universal and formerly of CNN, who hired Lourdes in his CNN role.
"His perspective and context enriched CNN's global news agenda," Demaria added, "and he had a passionate devotion to Asia-Pacific and reporting it."
Lourdes was recalled by CNN Hong Kong bureau chief Roger Clark as a larger-than-life figure who went above and beyond for his colleagues.

"Marc had a lasting impression on everyone with whom he worked," Clark added. "He was a brilliant journalist with a lot of ideas. With his warmth, wide smile, and booming laugh, he brought so much excitement to the CNN workplace. He was also a little odd. His Hong Kong office became a temple to Manchester United and Star Wars, two of his favorite things. He will be missed greatly."
"Marc was a terrific guy and a real professional," stated Michel Lamunière, CEO and chairman of Tatler Asia Group.

"He was clever, sophisticated, funny, and enthusiastic about life. We shall all miss him tremendously and send our heartfelt sympathies and prayers to his family, Darshini, and his many friends throughout the world."
Lourdes' work ethic was summed up wonderfully in an email signature he used when asking for a job at CNN, which featured a phrase from Edna St. Vincent Millay's renowned poem. It said:

"My candle has flames on both ends. It isn't going to endure the night. But, oh, my enemies and oh, my companions. It emits a wonderful glow."