USA TODAY reporter Oren Dorell killed in hit-and-run at age 53

Oren Dorell, a former construction contractor who became a globe-trotting foreign affairs reporter for USA TODAY, died Friday evening in Washington, D.C. He was 53.

Dorell was hit by a suspected impaired driver while riding his motorcycle. The crash is under investigation, and the driver faces charges of second-degree murder, driving under the influence and leaving after colliding.

Dorell was taken to MedStar Hospital, where he died, said his wife, Virginia “Ginny” Knapp Dorell. He is also survived by sons Malcolm, 12, and Leo, 11.

Dorell’s journalism career spanned two decades. In his 13 years at USA TODAY, he traveled the world, covering historic events from Middle East uprisings to natural disasters.