KTLA Reporter Sam Rubin’s Son Pays Emotional Tribute To Late Dad On Air

Sam Rubin‘s son paid tribute to his late father on the air just 3 days after his untimely death — and it’s heart-wrenching, to say the least … because he got choked up several times.

Sitting beside his dad’s KTLA colleagues Monday … Colby Rubin held it together pretty well during a letter he read aloud to his dad … but at times, needed a few seconds to collect himself before reflecting on his dad’s profound impact on his life over the last 16 years.

Colby wasn’t just speaking to the crowd … the message was directly to Sam, making it all the more raw as he told SR how much he idolized him — and how he’d always be his hero.

Colby goes on to say he owed who he was to his dad … no doubt, making the realization that he wouldn’t be there for his big life moments, such as his wedding, even more gut-wrenching when you hear him deliver this. Yeah, it’s a tear-jerker for sure.

Colby made it clear in the time they had together, he experienced more of a father figure than some people do in their entire lives — and also stressed the importance of hugging your loved ones every single day.

As we reported, the longtime entertainment reporter suffered a heart attack at his home Friday. After being rushed to UCLA West Hills, he went into full cardiac arrest and died.

Sam has been with KTLA since 1991 — and he’s been a mainstay in Southern California homes for decades, covering entertainment, movie, and TV news … winning multiple Emmys along the way. He was 64.