Mike Hoyem, Reporter for 'News-Press' in Lee County, Fla., Dies at 51.

Mike Hoyem, a reporter for Lee County, Fla.-based newspaper The News-Press, died this morning. The investigative reporter was on leave from The News-Press after being diagnosed with lung cancer in November. He was 51.

Fellow journalists at The News-Press said they will miss the first-class investigative reporter, who was willing to ask tough questions and make city hall meaningful to readers.

Hoyem joined the Gannett-owned daily in 1990 and covered government and legal affairs for the paper. An army veteran who served in Germany for three years, Hoyem brought fairness and determination to the political stories he covered and many local officials respected his balanced, professional coverage.

A native of Monroe, La., Hoyem graduated from Northeast Louisiana University (now the University of Louisiana-Monroe) in 1980 with a journalism degree and started his career as a reporter for the Monroe News (La.) Star.

Hoyem was also an avid golfer and devoted music fan, who could often be found playing a couple holes at the Fort Myers Country Club by his house or playing Bob Dylan covers on his guitar.

Hoyem is survived by parents Dorothy and Don; brothers Jon, Scott, and Pat; and sisters Liz and Janet.