Derek Draper Dies: Husband Of Kate Garraway & Subject Of ITV’s ‘Finding Derek’ Documentary Was 56

deadline.com:

Derek Draper, the husband of British broadcaster Kate Garraway and the subject of ITV’s Finding Derek documentary, has died aged 56.

Garraway posted the news on her Instagram this morning, announcing that her husband had been “critically ill following a cardiac arrest in early December which, because of the damage inflicted by Covid in March 2020, led to further complications.” “I’m sad to have to tell you all that my darling husband Derek has passed away,” wrote Garraway. “Derek was surrounded by his family in his final days and I was by his side holding his hand throughout the last long hours and when he passed.” She thanked “all the medical teams who fought so hard to save him and to make his final moments as comfortable and dignified as possible,” adding: “Sending so much love and thanks to all of you who have so generously given our family so much support.

Rest gently and peacefully now Derek, my love, I was so lucky to have you in my life.” Draper was an author and former political adviser – penning books on politics including Blair’s 100 Days and Life Support – before he retrained as a psychotherapist.

In March 2020, he contracted Covid-19 and became seriously ill with long Covid. He was hospitalized for a year and returned to hospital last month following his cardiac arrest.