Michael J. Feeney, a former New York Daily News reporter, has died suddenly at 32 of complications from a staph infection just before beginning “his dream job as an entertainment reporter” at CNN.com, the paper reported Monday.

Feeney served as president of the New York Association of Black Journalists (NYABJ) for four years. He “was a dedicated leader of the organization and an outstanding journalist,” the organization said in a statement.

Feeney “worked tirelessly furthering our goals and revitalizing the chapter. He was a mentor to so many just starting out as journalists and a constant voice for those working tirelessly in media,” the NYABJ said.

Scores of colleagues and fans took to Twitter to remember Feeney, including Rev. Al Sharpton and NYC Mayor Bill deBlasio:

Journalist. Leader. Rising star.

My condolences to the friends and family of @mfeeney.

Rest in peace. https://t.co/RQQtkOPa2V

— Bill de Blasio (@BilldeBlasio) February 1, 2016