Veteran Nine broadcaster Russell Goodrick dies after private health battle

Logie award-winning Channel Nine presenter Russell Goodrick has died after a months-long, private battle from a severe form of pancreatitis.

Mr Goodrick anchored Nine News in Perth for a number of years.

His family announced his death today with a statement on Facebook, where they detailed his struggle with necrotizing pancreatitis, after he was diagnosed in January.

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Mr Goodrick's sons, Tom and Rodney, revealed their father had wished to keep his illness private and discreet.

In a joint statement, they described the veteran broadcaster as their "father, chief, mate, man of steel and friend".

Mr Goodrick had suddenly fallen ill in January, they said, while he was driving from Perth to Esperance, in Western Australia.

"He didn't make it to Esperance," the statement said.

"His trip was cut short as he fell ill to necrotizing pancreatitis, a form of severe pancreatitis."

Mr Goodrick was flown back to Perth by the RFDS and was operated on, the family said.

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"After a few weeks, he was sent off home in the hopes that he was on his way with a slow recovery.

"However, things did not go as hoped and he was admitted back into hospital."

The family described Mr Goodrick as going through "a roller coaster of improvement and declination" as he continued to fight on.

"Loved for his compassion, enthusiasm, his integrity, quirkiness, genuine interest and curiosity in others," the statement read.

"His respect for others and his adventurous nature. All who know him know how incredibly rich his life has been."

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