Former FOX 26 Houston anchor José Griñán dies at 72

Veteran broadcaster José Griñán, a longtime anchor for FOX 26 Houston, has died at the age of 72. 

Griñán, who spent over three decades at the station, passed away leaving behind a powerful legacy in Houston’s media landscape.

José joined FOX 26 in 1993 and quickly became a beloved figure across the city. Known for his warm presence and journalistic integrity, he anchored thousands of stories ranging from breaking news to human interest features. He became FOX 26’s first male morning show anchor, shaping morning news coverage in the city.

Before his television career, Griñán served as a cinematographer in the U.S. Army, where he developed his passion for storytelling. His broadcasting career spanned major cities including El Paso, Tampa, Miami, New York, and Dallas before settling in Houston. He was also one of the first reporters to cover the Waco Branch Davidian siege in the 1990s.

Off-camera, José was a pillar in the Houston community. He volunteered for organizations such as the National Kidney Foundation, Special Olympics, and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. He also served on the boards of the Dive Pirate Foundation, Houston Read Commission, and Keep Houston Beautiful.

Born July 24, 1952, in Tampa, Florida, José was proud of his Cuban heritage. He is survived by his wife Kathy, two daughters, and a community of colleagues and viewers who admired his work. A member of both the National Association of Black Journalists and the National Association of Hispanic Journalists, José Griñán’s legacy lives on in the city he served so passionately.