BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) - The sudden loss of a news icon on this day in 1984.

Richard “Mickey” Gallagher was the anchor and news director of WCAX for 20 years, but this was his final broadcast. He died the next day of a massive heart attack.

“The Radisson hotel in Burlington is about 8 years old, and it’s going to expand - a groundbreaking ceremony was held today for its new wing,” reported Gallagher.

Gallagher was part of the Mount Rushmore of Vermont broadcasting, along with weatherman Stuart Hall and sportscaster Tony Adams. Gallagher was succeeded as anchor and news director by another news legend, Marselis Parsons.

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