Famed El Paso historian Leon Metz has died at age 90 from Covid-19

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- Leon Metz, a man who dedicated his life to telling the Borderland's historical story, has died at age 90.

Fellow historian Bernie Sargent confirmed his death to ABC-7 and said Metz died as a result of having contracted Covid-19 .

"He was prolific," Sargent said. "He's going to be sorely missed by not only El Pasoans, but history aficionados around the world."

Metz wrote more than a dozen books about the Southwestern U.S. and was considered an expert on the Borderland's history.

"He did a lot of work at UTEP, was there for a number of years, working and doing research," Sargent said. "He was one of the people I looked up to. He inspired me."

Many ABC-7 viewers will recognize Metz from his frequent appearances on newscasts. Whenever there was a question about the Borderland's past, Metz was someone who had the answer.

Sargent said Metz struggled with Alzheimer's for the last few years. He was living at the Ambrosio Guillen Texas State Veterans Home.

In 2010, Metz was honored with the Texas Historical Commission's Ruth Lester Lifetime Achievement Award.

In the video player below is a look back on some of Metz's work on ABC-7 over the years.