Farahnaz Espad, an Iranian journalist and presenter with Iran International, has died at the age of 37 after a prolonged illness.
Espad, who was born in 1988, joined Iran International around eight years ago and worked as both a reporter and presenter. Colleagues described her as a dedicated and professional journalist who cared deeply about people and improving their living conditions.
She had been undergoing treatment for cancer for around two years and was unable to continue her media work during that period.
Iran International and Afghanistan International published messages expressing condolences to Espad’s family, including her husband, Behnoud Nourpanah, as well as her parents and sister.
Morteza Kazemian, a member of Iran International’s editorial team, described Espad as a composed, well-read, hardworking and professional journalist. He also remembered her as a kind, patient and tolerant person.
Niousha Saremi, a presenter and editorial team member at Iran International, also paid tribute to Espad, recalling that she had repeatedly spoken about her hope of returning to work and appearing in front of the camera again.
Saremi wrote that Espad’s wish to return to work was, in essence, a wish to return to the life she loved.
Farnoush Faraji, another member of the Iran International editorial team, described Espad as a young, professional and motivated journalist and presenter, remembering her patience and calmness in the workplace.
Faraji also recalled working with Espad on a digital Nowruz project, saying that even during a busy and stressful production, Espad never complained when a video had to be recorded again and continued to cooperate with her familiar smile.
Espad’s death at 37 has prompted an outpouring of tributes from colleagues and members of the media community, who have remembered her not only for her professionalism as a journalist and presenter, but also for her kindness, patience, calmness and warmth.
