Fox News correspondent Eric Shawn, a veteran journalist who has covered some of the most pivotal moments in modern history, delivered a gut-wrenching revelation during a live broadcast on Fox & Friends on September 11, 2025, marking the 24th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. In a tearful and desperate confession, Shawn disclosed that his cancer and respiratory illness, caused by toxic dust exposure while reporting from Ground Zero, have reached a critical stage. He shared a previously unrevealed detail: doctors have given his family a prognosis of just days remaining, leaving co-hosts Ainsley Earhardt, Brian Kilmeade, and Lawrence Jones visibly stunned and viewers across the nation grappling with the weight of his words.

Shawn, 68, who joined Fox News at its inception in 1996, has been a fixture in New York journalism, reporting on everything from the O.J. Simpson trial to Donald Trump’s 2024 hush money case. His coverage of 9/11, however, left an indelible mark. Stationed near the World Trade Center, Shawn inhaled the toxic dust—laden with asbestos, jet fuel, and mercury—that has since claimed over 3,700 first responders and nearly 48,000 others with related illnesses. On air, he recounted the “acrid, metal taste” of the air, admitting he feared long-term consequences even then. “I thought, maybe 20, 30 years later, I’ll get something,” he said, his voice breaking as he revealed his cancer diagnosis earlier in 2025, alongside chronic bronchitis.

The emotional peak came when Shawn, prompted by Kilmeade’s mention of a firefighter friend’s lung damage, shared the harrowing update. “Doctors told my family how many days I have left,” he said, tears streaming down his face, though he did not specify the number. The studio fell silent as Earhardt whispered, “I am so sorry,” and Kilmeade added, “I didn’t know that, Eric.” The raw moment resonated deeply, with viewers flooding X with messages of support. One user wrote, “Eric Shawn’s courage in sharing this is unreal. Praying for him.” Another posted, “Heartbroken for Eric—9/11’s toll keeps growing.” The confession highlighted the ongoing tragedy of 9/11-related illnesses, which have surpassed the initial death toll of 2,977.

Shawn’s revelation was not just personal but a stark reminder of the sacrifices made by journalists and first responders. He spoke of his friend, firefighter John McDonald, whose lungs were ravaged by the same dust, and honored the broader community affected, saying, “We’re all in this together.” His humility shone through as he emphasized those who “suffered far greater,” including military personnel and civilians exposed in Lower Manhattan. The World Trade Center Health Program, which Shawn is enrolled in, continues to treat thousands, underscoring the scale of the crisis.

The broadcast, meant to commemorate 9/11, became a deeply personal reflection of Shawn’s legacy. His decades-long career, from anchoring Fox News Live to investigating Jimmy Hoffa’s murder, has been defined by a commitment to truth. Yet, this moment of vulnerability revealed a man confronting mortality with grace. Fans and colleagues, including those unaware of his condition, praised his courage. “Eric’s strength is inspiring,” one X post read, while another urged, “Keep fighting, Eric.”

As Shawn faces this critical stage, his confession has galvanized support and reignited awareness of 9/11’s lasting toll. His words, raw and unfiltered, serve as a poignant call to honor those still battling its consequences. For Shawn, the fight continues, but his legacy as a journalist and survivor endures, a testament to resilience in the face of an unrelenting tragedy.