By Associated Press and Alabama Public Radio
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wual/local-wual-639882.mp3
Montgomery, AL – Longtime Statehouse reporter Jim Merlini has died. He was 65.
House spokesman Clay Redden said the reporter was found dead of natural causes at his home Monday.
Merlini was currently employed with Metro Source News, which provides reports to radio stations across the state. He worked for several radio outlets and was also once a freelance reporter for the Columbus-Ledger in Columbus, Georgia.
Governor Bob Riley issued a statement on the loss Tuesday, saying Merlini was an excellent reporter with a great sense of humor.
Riley said it was always a joy to be around him and he will be missed.
Redden says Merlini has been well known in the Montgomery area at least since the early 1970's and was one of the people who started the capitol city's first all-news talk radio.
Funeral arrangements are pending.
Alabama Public Radio's Butler Cain spoke with Gina Smith, former APR Montgomery Bureau reporter, about her times working with Merlini.