Diana 'DeeDee' Fuentes, a respected journalist and advocate, has died "unexpectedly" aged 67. Fuentes, the executive director of Investigative Reporters & Editors, was a leader in Texas newsrooms and a champion for investigative reporting. She died unexpectedly while attending a conference in Washington D.C on 20 March. "With over 35 years in journalism, ... Diana brought a wealth of experience to our organization when she came on as executive director in April 2021," IRE said in a heartfelt tribute. "Her warmth created an inviting atmosphere at IRE, especially during crucial periods, like navigating the COVID-19 pandemic and preparing for our 50th anniversary last year."

Fuentes spent much of her career inside newsrooms in San Antonio and South Texas, while also having leadership roles in organisations such as the Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas and the San Antonio chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. Dedicated to teaching and mentoring, Diana was also a professor at the University of Missouri-Columbia and Texas State University.

The tribute continued: "Her knack for connecting with staff, Board members and our community was truly special. And she was a fierce advocate for diversity and inclusion, always striving to ensure that everyone felt heard and valued.

Whether she was representing IRE at events across the country or engaging with our international and student members, her dedication to our mission was clear. She worked tirelessly to make investigative training accessible and was also a passionate defender of press freedom and journalist safety.

IRE noted that Fuentes was a "proud second-generation Texan" and lifetime member of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists, which inducted her into its Hall of Fame in 2022.

The statement highlighted Fuentes' love for her "family, her cats and a good vodka gimlet," and how she found joy in helping journalists.

On Sunday, The IRE Board nominated Fuentes for its prestigious Ring of Honor, celebrating her enduring impact on investigative journalism and the organisation she guided with dedication.

This honour is reserved for journalists who have made outstanding contributions to both IRE and the broader field. People have been invited to contribute to a fundraising campaign in her name, with donations helping to fund resources for the next generation of investigative journalists.

Tributes have flooded in for Fuentes, with Joey Palacios, longtime Texas Public Radio journalist and former president of the San Antonio Association of Hispanic Journalists, who joined many in commemorating her remarkable life.

"Dee Dee was an absolute pillar of light. If there was a problem, she knew how to fix it. She was kind, supportive, and always encouraging," he wrote. "I've known her for just about my entire journalism career. If you needed advice, she would guide you in the right direction."

Nora Lopez, the president of the Society of Professional Journalists San Antonio chapter, added: "DeeDee was an amazing woman, journalist and friend. She had a heart of gold and was probably the nicest person I've ever known.

"She would help anyone who needed help, friends, colleagues and complete strangers, too, like the homeless who walked around the Express-News offices downtown. DeeDee knew them by name.

"And don't even get me started on how many animals she rescued and fed. She was the kind of person who carried food and water for any strays she might encounter."

A Norwegian journalist recalled meeting Fuentes just two weeks ago at the NICAR 2026 conference in Indianapolis, explaining how helpful she was in organising their trip.

"She was incredibly helpful in organizing our trip. She also gave us insightful tips on what kind of sessions to choose during the days. And which qualified data journalists the group should meet and network with at the huge gathering. May she rest in peace. Diana will be missed," they penned on Facebook.