Derek Draper Obituary

Derek Draper, the spouse of renowned British broadcaster Kate Garraway and the central figure in ITV’s documentary “Finding Derek,” has passed away at the age of 56.

Garraway shared the heartbreaking news on her Instagram, revealing 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.”

With deep sadness, Garraway conveyed, “I’m sad to have to tell you all that my darling husband Derek has passed away.” She went on to describe the circumstances of his final moments, noting, “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.”

Expressing gratitude, Garraway thanked the medical teams who tirelessly fought to save him, acknowledging their efforts to make his final moments as comfortable and dignified as possible. She extended her appreciation to those who generously supported her family during this challenging time. Garraway concluded with a heartfelt farewell, saying, “Rest gently and peacefully now Derek, my love, I was so lucky to have you in my life.”

Derek Draper, in addition to being Kate Garraway’s husband, was a versatile individual with a background as an author and former political adviser. His literary contributions included books on politics such as “Blair’s 100 Days” and “Life Support.” Draper later underwent a career shift, retraining as a psychotherapist.

His battle with Covid-19 began in March 2020, resulting in a serious illness that persisted into long Covid. After a year-long hospitalization, he returned to the hospital last month following a cardiac arrest. The struggles faced by Derek Draper and the adjustments made by the family were documented in the ITV documentary “Kate Garraway: Finding Derek,” capturing the attention of millions of viewers.

Derek Draper and Kate Garraway shared their lives since their marriage in 2005 and have two children together. Kate Garraway, a prominent British broadcaster and journalist known for her roles in GMTV and Good Morning Britain, continues to be a respected figure in the media landscape. The passing of Derek Draper marks the end of a poignant journey, leaving a lasting impact on those who followed his battle with Covid-19 and the unwavering support of his family.