Mr Loughrey was a city council, religion, fashion, tourism and infrastructure reporter for the ODT, as well as stints at the Oamaru Mail and Channel 39.
He also penned the "A Strictly Local Matter" column, which appeared regularly in the ODT.
The final edition, Vampires in the community, was published on Saturday, just hours before his death.
Mr Loughrey was a much-loved colleague, and the thoughts of all ODT staff are with his partner, Lesley, and son, Ben, at this time.
An obituary will follow.
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Sad day for all involved...
Oh damn, he was my favourite ODT reporter by far, because of his very humorous and witty articles.
I had no idea his cancer was that bad.
He'll be sorely missed by many. :(
My condolences to Mr Loughrey's family and friends. I to had no idea he had cancer, so quite a shock reading of him pasing away in such a way. Really enjoyed his wit and depth of thought, he'll be very sadly missed by many.
An excellent and highly original writer. Sorry to hear this news.
In harness until the end. Journalist, unique and offbeat.
I just found out about David passing away. I used to work next to David often in the ODT newsroom; he was always a character and much esteemed by his fellow journalists. We sometimes butted heads, but he was always there to offer great wisdom, and was a gent - once I remember him offering a lift to a Port Otago meeting that any members of the press with a camera were locked out of. He let me in on the secrets of Fashion Week swag. I was shocked to learn he had cancer, and messaged him only a couple of months ago - he replied saying he had started treatment, and was going to be fine. Classic David. My deepest condolences to his family and his ODT kin.