BATTLE CREEK, MI (WNWN/WTVB) – Long time Battle Creek Enquirer reporter Trace Christenson has died following a fall in his home over the weekend.
The Enquirer reports the 72-year-old Christenson fell down some stairs on Saturday and suffered a traumatic head injury.
He was officially pronounced dead on Sunday and will be an organ and tissue donor through Gift of Life.
Christenson began working at the Enquirer in 1984.
During his 38 years at the newspaper, Christenson earned numerous awards from Gannett, Associated Press and the Michigan Press Association for his coverage of Battle Creek news and events.
Battle Creek Police Chief Jim Blocker said, “He was an old-school, venerable newsman that operated freely at all levels within our department. Trusted, known and in many cases a mentor. I think he represented the true power behind the community’s voice in ensuring that really even in the darkest places there is a light shown on all things…. Professional always, always kind and gentile, mentorship-like. In that small frame, he cast a giant shadow.”
