Why did Derek Watts pass away? Derek Watts is renowned for his fearless journalism and impressive broadcasting career and unfortunately passed away on August 22, 2023, at the age of 74. The cause of his death is revealed to be battling cancer. He was born in Johannesburg in 1949 and he commenced his journey into the world of media and made imprints that won’t easily fade. As we dig deep into his personal life and career, Derek’s passion for storytelling compelled him to study journalism at the University of the Witwatersrand. He began as a reporter for the Rand Daily Mail, and he eventually found his genre in investigative journalism. His reputation and goodwill were boosted after collaborating with Carte Blanche, an investigative TV program in 1988. Prior to his demise, Derek was diagnosed with sepsis and skin cancer in 2022. Despite the medical interference, his health faced challenges that revolved around his battle with cancer among the public and reflected on the adversities many silently faced. In July 2023, he announced his exit from the TV realm and the news of his departure sensed the urgency of his health’s decline and decided to be vocal regarding the same. As mentioned above, the cause of his death was revealed as battling with cancer