Ted Turner Passes Away At 87
Ted Turner has passed away at the age of 87.
CNN first reported the news of Turner’s death. In 2018, Turner revealed that he had Lewy body dementia, a progressive brain disorder. In early 2025, Turner was hospitalized with a mild case of pneumonia before recovering at a rehabilitation facility.
He founded the Cable News Network (CNN), the first 24-hour cable news channel along with WTBS, which pioneered the superstation concept in cable television, as well as TNT and Cartoon Network.
In the world of wrestling, Turner founded World Championship Wrestling after purchasing the assets of Jim Crockett Promotions. WCW Nitro aired on TNT and was part of the Monday Night Wars against WWE Raw. WCW Thunder aired on TBS.
“Ted was an intensely involved and committed leader, intrepid, fearless and always willing to back a hunch and trust his own judgement,” Mark Thompson, Chairman and CEO of CNN Worldwide, said in a statement. “He was and always will be the presiding spirit of CNN. Ted is the giant on whose shoulders we stand, and we will all take a moment today to recognize him and his impact on our lives and the world.”
He is also the former Atlanta Hawks owner, Atlanta Braves owner, and Atlanta Thrashers owner.
On behalf of Fightful, we send condolences to the family, friends, and fans of Turner.
