GEORGE TOWN: Former New Straits Times (NST) Penang bureau journalist S. Karunakaran died earlier today. He was 59.
His nephew, M. Murali, said his uncle died of a heart attack in Kuala Lumpur, where he was working..
He said his uncle had never complained of any health issues prior to this.
"This came as a shock to everyone," he told the NST when contacted.
Murali said his uncle, more fondly known as Shankar, was a simple, jovial and friendly person.
"I am sure people who knew him can attest to that," he added.
Karunakaran's remains will be taken back to Penang for a ritual prayer which will be held between noon and 2pm tomorrow before his cremation at the Batu Lanchang Hindu Crematorium.
Besides the NST, he also worked in multiple news agencies and portals.
He leaves behind wife M. Mageswary and two children.