Colombian Journalist JJ Pinilla Dies at 63 After 36-Year Career

Veteran Colombian journalist Jhon Jairo 'JJ' Pinilla has died at the age of 63 in Bogotá, ending a 36-year career that made him a respected voice in economic and judicial reporting. The news was confirmed by Noticias Caracol, where he spent the last 16 years of his career before retiring in October 2024 Source: portafolioco. Reports indicate he died on July 6 Source: larepublicaco or July 7 Source: infobae; the cause of death has not been disclosed.

Career

Pinilla began his career at El Tiempo and later worked at RCN Radio, Noticiero Nacional, and Noticiero 24 Horas before joining Noticias Caracol Source: elcolombiano. He was known for his rigorous coverage of economic and legal topics, earning a reputation as a trusted source of information.

Mentor and Legacy

Colleagues remember Pinilla as a generous mentor who guided younger journalists. Catalina Vargas described him as "the legal bible" who set the editorial standard for judicial reporting Source: portafolioco. Luis Carlos Vélez, who broke the news, called him "a great journalist and mentor" Source: infobae. His legacy includes not only his reporting but also the many journalists he trained.

• Pinilla studied journalism at Uninpahu and was born in Manizales Source: larepublicaco.
• He is survived by his wife and three children Source: larepublicaco.

His death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from across Colombia's media community, highlighting his professionalism, kindness, and dedication to the truth.