The sudden passing of David Knowles, a 32-year-old journalist for The Telegraph, has prompted an investigation by Gibraltar authorities with assistance from UK counter-terror police. Knowles, who gained recognition for his work on the award-winning podcast "Ukraine: The Latest," died unexpectedly while on holiday in Gibraltar on September 8, 2024.
The Royal Gibraltar Police (RGP), the oldest police force in the Commonwealth outside the UK, is leading the investigation into Knowles' death. In a statement, the RGP emphasized that despite requesting support from Scotland Yard, there are currently no specific concerns surrounding the circumstances of his passing.
A spokesperson for the RGP stated, "A coroner's investigation is underway, and a post-mortem examination has been scheduled. We have appointed a specialist family liaison officer to support the deceased's next of kin." This approach aligns with standard procedures in cases of sudden or unexplained deaths.
In response to a mutual aid request, detectives from UK Counter Terrorism Policing have been deployed to Gibraltar. A representative explained, "Our involvement is due to our existing capability and experience in handling international inquiries. The RGP retains primacy in this investigation."
The family of David Knowles has acknowledged the police statement, particularly noting the assertion that there are no specific concerns at this time. They have requested privacy as authorities continue their investigation.
Knowles' work on "Ukraine: The Latest" podcast, which has been praised for its coverage of the ongoing conflict that began in February 2022, has been a significant focus of tributes. The podcast is part of a growing media trend, with over 2 million active podcasts globally as of 2023.
In the UK Parliament, Labour MP Andy Slaughter paid tribute to Knowles, highlighting the importance of investigative journalism in democratic societies. Slaughter stated, "Can I pay tribute to Telegraph journalist David Knowles, creator of the brilliant Ukraine: The Latest podcast, who tragically died last weekend at the age of only 32?"
Lucy Powell, the Leader of the Commons, responded by expressing condolences and affirming the significance of investigative journalism to democracy.
As the investigation continues, the collaboration between Gibraltar and UK authorities underscores the importance of international police cooperation in complex cases. The involvement of counter-terror police, while not indicative of specific concerns, demonstrates the comprehensive approach being taken to understand the circumstances surrounding Knowles' untimely death.
"Can I pay tribute to Telegraph journalist David Knowles, creator of the brilliant Ukraine: The Latest podcast, who tragically died last weekend at the age of only 32?"
This tragic event has not only highlighted the impact of Knowles' work but also drawn attention to the broader landscape of journalism and its role in covering global events. As the world continues to grapple with significant geopolitical challenges, the contributions of journalists like Knowles in keeping the public informed remain invaluable.