R.I.P.: Paul Nelson: Utah Journalist and Family Man

Paul Nelson, a dedicated reporter whose voice and stories resonated across Utah airwaves for nearly two decades, HAS passed away at age 50 after a valiant fight against pancreatic cancer. 

Diagnosed in February 2024, Nelson faced the illness with characteristic optimism and grace, continuing to embrace life with his wife and three young children until the end. 

His death prompted an outpouring of tributes from colleagues, listeners, and the local media community, highlighting not just his professional legacy but his warmth as a mentor, friend, and father.

Born and raised in Utah, Nelson's journalism journey began in smaller markets, honing his skills at local stations before a five-year stint at ABC4 (now KTVX) in Salt Lake City, where he sharpened his eye for compelling narratives. In 2004, he joined KSL NewsRadio, Bonneville International's flagship station in Salt Lake City, as a reporter— a role that would define much of his career. 

Over 18 years, Nelson became a staple for midday listeners, tackling high-stakes beats like crime investigations, Utah politics, and national disasters. His coverage of the 2015 Salt Lake City floods and the 2020 statewide wildfires earned him praise for on-the-ground tenacity and empathetic storytelling. 

"Paul had this rare ability to make complex issues feel human," recalled former colleague Daniel Woodruff in a KSL-TV report. 

He left KSL in 2022 to pivot to communications for Real Salt Lake, the MLS soccer franchise, where he crafted fan engagement strategies and media relations until his diagnosis sidelined him.