AHS extends condolences to reporter, soldiers killed in Afghanistan

Board Chairman Ken Hughes Thursday on behalf of Alberta Health Services extended sympathy and condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Calgary Herald reporter Michelle Lang. She and four Canadian soldiers were killed in Afghanistan on Dec. 30. She is the first Canadian journalist to die in the conflict.

Prior to her first assignment in the war-torn country, which began Dec. 12, Lang was a health reporter who covered the AHS, Alberta Health & Wellness and several former health regions. Know for her tenacity, passion and professionalism, Lang earned a National Newspaper Award for her reporting.

“Our sympathies go out to the families and friends of Michelle and all of the soldiers who have lost their lives, both this week in Afghanistan and in every conflict where Canadians have been called upon to serve. It is a sacrifice we can never take for granted,” said Hughes.

Mark Kastner, AHS’s executive director of Media Relations and Don Stewart, director of media relations, worked closely with Lang. “I consider myself fortunate to have known Michelle for many years,” said Kastner, “Michelle always sought the truth and did so with integrity. She had the intuition and instinct to make her an award-winning journalist.”

"She was exceptionally thorough, well-informed and challenging but fair,” said Stewart. “The relationship the media relations team shared with her was one of professionalism and personal respect. She will be sadly missed.”

To read or add to the tributes to Lang, visit the Calgary Herald.