A Reporter that used to work at WRAL in Raleigh has died at just 43 years old.

Former WRAL News multimedia investigative reporter Mark Binker died unexpectedly at his home early Saturday.

Binker  covered North Carolina politics for 12 years, first for the Greensboro News & Record, then for @NCCapitol at WRAL.com and most recently for the political newsletter The Insider. He was named editor of The Insider in March, where he was excited to have the opportunity to write columns that would run statewide.

"Mark was a passionate reporter who was determined to hold government officials accountable to the people they serve," WRAL News Director Rick Gall said. "He was a major contributor to our @NCCapitol coverage, and we'll be forever grateful to him. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family."

"Mark Binker was an outstanding journalist who uniquely understood complex issues and explained to viewers and readers why they should care," Gov. Roy Cooper said in a statement. "He never ducked asking tough questions or stopped digging for more. His death leaves a huge hole in the press corps, and our hearts go out to his family."

Binker leaves behind his wife and two sons.  

Funeral arrangements are pending.

H/T WRAL