ABC News president David Westin sent this note to the staff this morning about a former colleague who was working with Ted Koppel on his Discovery Channel specials:

I am very sorry to report that a former colleague, John Alexander, collapsed and died suddenly yesterday while he was on assignment in China. Many of us remember John from his time working for Tom Bettag at Nightline as his assistant and production coordinator and later for Ted Koppel. John left with Tom and Ted to become an associate producer at the Discovery Channel and was working on location with Tom, Peter Demchuk, and Guy Federico on one of Ted's documentaries. We do not yet know the exact cause of his death.

John was a vibrant, intelligent, energetic young man just short of his 27th birthday. He had accomplished much, but had far more yet to contribute to television journalism. We are all poorer for his loss.

We will let you know about arrangements as they are made.