Katie Spikes’ obituary confirms 60 Seconds producer’s cause of death

Her colleagues and friends are mourning her passing on social media, so HITC takes a look at the heartfelt tributes and her decades-long career at CBS.

Katie Spikes obituary: 60 Minutes producer cause of death revealed

Katie Spikes – full name Katharine Alma Spikes – passed away peacefully at her Westfield, New Jersey home on July 25, 2023. The cause of death was cancer, which she bravely battled for five years.

Born in New York City, she was raised in Larchmont, New York. The senior producer graduated from Muskingum College in New Concord, Ohio, before embarking on her remarking TV career.

Before joining CBS, Spikes worked as a CNN producer for Larry King Live for two years until 1997. She transferred to CBS News’ planning unit, kicking off her climb up the network’s ladder. At the time of her death, Spikes was a respected senior planning producer and story editor for over 26 years.

Described as a “talented producer and beloved colleague”, she was responsible for several major headline interviews, including actor Joaquin Phoenix, Olympian Michael Phelps, and former president Barack Obama. Spikes’ networking also led to Tony Bennett’s An Hour Of Music special in 2022. The singer passed away four days before Katie Spikes.

Spikes is survived by her husband, Donald Furrer, and their two sons, James Joseph, and Owen Doolin; her stepson Brandon Scott; parents Judith and Dr James Spikes; and her sister, Sarah.

Katie Spikes tributes pour in on social media

Spikes’ colleagues have taken to Twitter to recall their best memories of the accomplished producer.

60 Minutes’ executive producer Bill Owens said: “Katie was such an important force on the ninth floor [home of 60 Minutes] that it is hard to put into words. She was the relentless positive energy that everyone sought out.”

“Smart, funny, hardworking, and a genius friend and mentor,” he continued. “I valued Katie’s opinion because she wasn’t afraid to take the other side of an argument and always had impeccable taste.”

A previous colleague remembered her as a “wonderful shining light,” while another on Facebook called her “a bright and beautiful star.”

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