PROVIDENCE, RI -- Today, after the passing of award-winning investigative journalist and political reporter Bill Rappleye, U.S. Senator Jack Reed issued the following statement:

“Bill Rappleye was a unique talent, a superb journalist, and a gifted story teller.  When you were a guest on Bill's show or the subject of an interview, he never hesitated to ask tough questions, but he always gave you time to answer, listened to what you had to say, and asked thoughtful follow ups.  He had a big heart and a great sense of humor and was just a salt of the earth kind of person.  But I think it was his tenacity and empathy that really connected with audiences and those who were fortunate to know him.  We will miss Bill, but we certainly won’t forget him.”