Rod Nordland, a respected war reporter whose career spanned 40 years, died on Wednesday at his Manhattan home at the age of 75. A victim of glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer, he was remembered as an influential figure in journalism. His wife, Leila Segal, confirmed the cause of death, highlighting the struggles he faced after his diagnosis.
Joining The New York Times in 2009, Nordland was known for covering significant global conflicts. In 2019, he penned a reflective article that served as a precursor to his memoir titled “Waiting for the Monsoon,” published the previous year. This memoir synthesizes his years reporting from war zones with his deeply personal battle against illness.
Nordland's tenacity was shaped by his tumultuous upbringing, which he described in his writing. He began his journalism career in the early 1970s, secured by opportunities from urban daily newspapers. His work took him to Southeast Asia in 1979, and he continued to report from around the globe for 40 years, only returning to the U.S. due to his health.
He informed readers passionately about the lives impacted by war, showcasing the vulnerability of those caught in conflict. His later reflections on life with cancer added a new dimension to his storytelling, emphasizing the human experience in the face of adversity. Nordland's contributions to journalism and literature are expected to resonate for years to come.
