WYFF Crew Killed in Accident

[TriangleTriadMediaNews 267]

WYFF anchor Mike McCormick and photojournalist Aaron Smeltzer were killed today in Polk County NC when a tree fell on their company SUV, they were both 36.

 

http://www.wyff4.com/article/wyff-news-4-anchor-photojournalist-killed-when-tree-falls-on-suv/20945002

[rkolsen 1697]

WYFF anchor Mike McCormick and photojournalist Aaron Smeltzer were killed today in Polk County NC when a tree fell on their company SUV, they were both 36.

 

http://www.wyff4.com/article/wyff-news-4-anchor-photojournalist-killed-when-tree-falls-on-suv/20945002

 

A tragic accident. My thoughts and prayers to their families and colleagues. I watched the rerun of the six and it was somber but they continued on like true professionals that they are.

 

I wonder if it was a standard fleet SUV (Im assuming Ford Escape or Explorer that’s used here) or one that was turned into a news vehicle. If it’s the latter the roof and it’s supports could have been weakened in the retrofitting.

[Eat News 4745]

WYFF anchor Mike McCormick and photojournalist Aaron Smeltzer were killed today in Polk County NC when a tree fell on their company SUV, they were both 36.

 

http://www.wyff4.com/article/wyff-news-4-anchor-photojournalist-killed-when-tree-falls-on-suv/20945002

 

That just completely sucks.

 

God Bless the families and friends.

[TheRob 940]

A tragic accident. My thoughts and prayers to their families and colleagues. I watched the rerun of the six and it was somber but they continued on like true professionals that they are.

 

I wonder if it was a standard fleet SUV (Im assuming Ford Escape or Explorer that’s used here) or one that was turned into a news vehicle. If it’s the latter the roof and it’s supports could have been weakened in the retrofitting.

 

I found a photo from last year showing WYFF using a Ford Escape. I doubt it matters what SUV one drives if a three-foot-thick tree falls into the windshield.

[TheRob 940]

Also, one of KTTV's photojournalists died today. I think he had been in the hospital for heart surgery.

 

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[bmasters1 418]

It is at a time like this that I believe the classic line of Sgt. Phil Esterhaus on Hill Street Blues (the late, great Michael Conrad) should be heeded, and should have been before this accident: "Let's be careful out there."

[Eat News 4745]

It is at a time like this that I believe the classic line of Sgt. Phil Esterhaus on Hill Street Blues (the late, great Michael Conrad) should be heeded, and should have been before this accident: "Let's be careful out there."

 

I'm really amazed we don't lose more front-line crews in work related mishaps.

 

This is all I ask...

The station should pay all burial and related expenses...no questions asked.

 

These guys were professionals. Pros know the risk. The crew was making references to the danger while conducting the final interview.

 

Some stuff you just cannot prevent when you walk into danger.

 

You should hope they died doing what they loved....not that they signed up to die.

[Northerner 32]

That's just terrible. Deepest condolences to their families and colleague's.

[Georgie56 3336]

Condolences. Just bad luck and terrible.

[TexasTVNews 1379]

Very sad loss for two of WYFF's own. All we can do is say a prayer and send condolences to the families and the staff of WYFF 4.

[rkolsen 1697]

Mike was hurried on Saturday and Aaron will be buried today.

 

Saw pictures of the WYFF newsroom and it is overflowing with flowers - from the network, network shows, CNN, AP, competitors and sister stations.

[bmasters1 418]

More details on Mike himself: just found out through an obituary that he was originally a northerner (born 1/20/82 in Manhasset, NY [north shore of Long Island, in the NYC area]).

 

http://www.wyff4.com/article/visitation-funeral-services-set-for-wyff-news-4-anchor-mike-mccormick/20967047

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manhasset,_New_York