Teen son of late KTLA reporter Sam Rubin shares heart-wrenching tribute on air: ‘I can’t believe you’re gone’

The teenage son of beloved entertainment reporter Sam Rubin delivered an emotional, on-air tribute to his late father from his dad’s seat at the KTLA anchor desk just three days after the TV journalist unexpectedly died.

Colby Rubin, 16, delivered the heart-wrenching letter addressed to his dad during a Monday broadcast on KTLA, where the his dad worked worked for more than three decades.

“Hi Dad, I wrote this under the desk in your cubicle where you used to catch me sleeping — only you weren’t there to wake me up this time,” Colby read, looking directly at the camera.

“Dad, I can’t believe you’re gone.”

“You’ll never pick me up from school again. We’ll never get to go biking. We’ll never argue about food. You won’t be at my wedding. I can’t believe you are gone,” he said, choking up at times. “I love you so much. On the day you died, I hope you heard me say that.”

Colby shared how his dad, who died of a heart attack on Friday, was his biggest supporter and was always there whether to take him to Boy Scouts, Disney trips, physical therapy appointments, or even a 3 a.m. pickup from a sleepover.

“You were an incredible father and friend. On our car rides, you taught me so much about life — about your work, about how you got to get up every day and do what you love,” he continued.

“I idolized you and you are and will always be my hero. And I never got to tell you that and I’m so sorry, Dad.”

The teen said his dad always encouraged him and shared texts between them showing his father’s enduring support and advice.

“You encouraged me and loved me every day and built me up. I am completely who I am because of you,” Colby read.

“Dad, I am so proud to be your son. I had more of a father in 16 years than some people get their entire lives and I am so grateful. You are a beautiful human and you will never be forgotten,” he said, thanking everyone who has reached out in support of the family.

The letter left his father’s KTLA colleagues teary-eyed as they remembered their coworker and his deep love for his family while sitting next to his son.

Rubin had worked for the Los Angeles station since 1991 and became a staple on the red carpet, interviewing stars and receiving numerous awards throughout his career.

“He’s never gone,” Colby said. “He has this online footprint of over 30 years, so I always have somewhere to turn to.”

Colby said his family has received an outpouring of support and words of comfort since his dad’s death — even from people overseas.

In addition to his son Colby, Rubin is survived by his wife, Leslie, and their three other children, Rory, Perry, and Darcy.