", A clearly emotional Boll said "the words are hard to come by," adding that the station had been "holding onto this for a while.". ", Fellow WBTV meteorologist Al Conklin tweeted, "Bittersweet. Spectrum Helicopters, of Ridgefield, N.J., owned the crafts involved in both accidents, said Doug OBrien, news director of WNBC. Crime scene tape was up on North Tryon Street near Stetson Drive. The AP set off to learn their identities. WCNC Charlotte confirmed the helicopter belongs to WBTV, a local television news station. We are working to comfort their families in this difficult time.". Mathis, whose antics have made him a YouTube star, landed a gig out west on Good Day Sacramento for the CW affiliate by the end of the year. Both Myers and Tayag, the only two people onboard the plane, were confirmed dead by the Mecklenburg EMS Agency. Two people have died after a media helicopter associated with WBTV News crashed on Tuesday along Interstate 77 south of Charlotte, according to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating what caused the crash. Roy Cooper of North Carolina called the crash a terrible tragedy for WBTV. "All of I-77 Southbound is closed at this time near the Nations Ford exit and will remain closed for an extended period of time," police announced on Twitter, later adding that ramps are closed from I-85 north and south to I-77 south. 'The WBTV family is grieving a terrible loss. 06:41 BST 23 Nov 2022. He was formerly a meteorologist in Lexington, Kentucky, and moved to Charlotte to be closer to his North Carolina family. Please drive cautiously as we still have workers on scene,' officials with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police said just before 4.30pm Tuesday. A meteorologist and pilot are dead after a news helicopter crashed in Charlotte, North Carolina, Tuesday afternoon, according to officials. WBTV anchor Mary King tweeted, "We may be smiling on the outside, but we're sad on the inside because it's @jsrontv last @WBTV_News morning shoe. But then on his second pass, I knew that something was not right. The crash happened near the intersection of Oaklawn Avenue and Statesville Avenue. 'Meteorologist Jason Myers and pilot Chip Tayag (pictured) lost their lives. The meteorologist leaves behind a wife, Jillian, and four children. The meteorologist leaves behind a wife, Jillian, and four children. We are no longer accepting comments on this article. Tayag had been piloting the Sky3 helicopter since 2017 and had more than 20 years of experience as a pilot, WBTV reported. According to WBTV,Tayag had flown for the station more than 2,000 hours in his five years and had more than 3,700 flights in his log. The smiling weatherman once twirled on an ice rink live on the air, bundled up to inform viewers about chilly temperatures. Crews had the scene cleared around 11 a.m. Man dies days after crash on Deep Ford Road in Ashe Co. Charlotte gas prices up nearly 2 cents over past week, Lanes reopened on I-77 in Iredell County after crash, Traffic alert: Ramp closures on I-277 planned through Saturday, I-85 reopened in northwest Charlotte after crash, no injuries reported, Tree removed from Charlotte roadway, repairs ongoing on CityLYNX Gold Line tracks, PLAN AHEAD: Latest Weather Forecast Video. Myers was a North Carolina native and even 'watched WBTV as a child,' the station said in their statement Tuesday. Myers first broadcast meteorology gig was in Albilene, Texas in 2004 at KRBC-TV. Stacey was born in East Alabama and spent most of his childhood years in Middle and East Tennessee. WBTV anchors Jamie Boll and Molly Grantham were reporting on the crash live for at least 90 minutes, according to The Associated Press, before they interrupted the broadcast to announce that it was two of their colleagues who had been killed. The Centre is part of a particularly dynamic ecosystem, within the second French . Crews cleared out of the area around 2 a.m., Monday. If you pray, please pray for his family, the family of @JMyersWeather, and our @WBTV_News family. While it was common for big markets to send four or five helicopters in the air every day, over the last decade, stations in major markets like Chicago, Denver, Philadelphia and Phoenix have started sharing a helicopter. Police are working to open two lanes of traffic on I-77 as soon as possible. 'Our thoughts are with our friends at WBTV on the loss of Jason Myers and Chip Tayag. According to his WBTV profile, "When hes off on-air, Jonathan is likely in the gym or sitting before a great meal at a local restaurant or on a plane heading to his next travel destination.". As photos of the deceased were displayed on screen, Boll said he had seen Tayag earlier that morning on the helicopter pad as the pilot was waiting to pick up Myers. 1 killed, 1 injured in 2-car crash on I-485 in northeast Charlotte Updated: Apr. In a photo posted to Instagram just days ago, Myers said that he and his wife Jillian, along with at least two of their children, had just gotten back from a trip to Savannah, Georgia. WBTV is our news partner, and the people who work there are among the best humans in the business. In North Carolina, the average price of a gallon of gas was $3.54, up 10.5 cents from last weeks $3.43 a gallon, according to GasBuddy. He was one of the nicest people you would ever meet. In 2009, a TV news enthusiast compiled a list of nearly 120 TV stations around the country that had news helicopters. The power lines are the only thing holding the top half of the pole up. For other inquiries, Contact Us. In a statement posted to their website Tuesday, the station said they are 'working to comfort their families' during this time. CBS News Poll: How GOP primary race could be Trump v. Trump fatigue. Alex Slitz/The Charlotte Observer, via Associated Press. He loved covering weather and always wanted to learn more so he could be a better meteorologist. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Myers, 41, died in a helicopter crash Tuesday along Interstate 77 with Sky3 pilot Chip Tayag. To me, it looks like a heroic incident where the pilot tried to avoid injuring anyone else and putting anyone else in danger. Hes really banking that helicopter around to get a shot of something. The helicopter belonged to local CBS news station WBTV, according to a statement released by the station Tuesday. Visit our profile page here and hit the follow button above for more of the news you need. Dana Bash will replace John King as the anchor of Inside Politics. King will report on voters in battleground states heading into the 2024 election. The incident happened on the northbound side near Brookshire Boulevard. With Nina Feldman. He is survived by his wife, Jillian, and their four children. 1. This story was originally published November 23, 2022, 1:40 PM. In a statement posted to their website Tuesday, the station said they are 'working to comfort their families' during this time. Fortunately, there were no vehicles involved in it and I think as we move forward, to me it looks like a heroic incident where the pilot tried to avoid injuring anyone else and putting anyone else in danger. You can view The Poynter Institutes most-recent public financial disclosure form 990, Poynter ACES Introductory Certificate in Editing, Jen Psaki continues her strong TV start with comments about Tucker Carlson and Fox News. Everyone in the newscast built a strong bond, Tuggle said. "Meteorologist Jason Myers and pilot Chip Tayag lost their lives. On May 27, Stacey announced his departure from the Charlotte, North Carolina news station on Twitter. Its a tragic loss.. WBTV's reporting partner, Axios Charlotte, also issued a public statement Tuesday calling Tayag, Myers, and the entire team at the station 'among the best human beings in the business.'. No comments have so far been submitted. ", News Group Newspapers Limited in England No. The hard reality set in.. After working in a number of other television markets in the Southeast United States, he made the move to the Atlanta Storm Team in June of 2021. Myers went to UNCs campus every Wednesday to give the weather report for a joint student newscast called Carolina Week. Fortunately, there was no vehicles involved in it. While we are so sad to see him go we are so grateful for all that he has contributed to this team to make QC Morning such a special show, QC Life posted on Facebook. Some stations have turned to drones for the high-wide shots that they used to fly choppers to capture. Ms. Dornacker, a successful comedian and an actress who had a minor role in the movie The Right Stuff, was afraid to fly for several months after the earlier crash, colleagues said. He loved covering weather and always wanted to learn more so he could be a better meteorologist. But he lasted only four months there and was let go in March. Our hearts go out to his family, friends and coworkers.. The report indicates the crash happened during a training exercise. She had moved to San Francisco in 1965. Charlotte-Mecklenburg police Chief Johnny Jennings tweeted his admiration for helicopter pilot Chip Tayag after Tavag and meteorologist Jason Myers died in a helicopter crash Tuesday. Here's how. Colleagues said Jason was a father of four young children. Illinois highway pile-up causes multiple deaths, police say, Trump motion to declare mistrial in E. Jean Carroll lawsuit denied, Transgender Montana lawmaker Zooey Zephyr sues over censure, Debt ceiling standoff heats up over veterans' programs, U.S. tracking high-altitude balloon first spotted off Hawaii, Biden administration ending vaccine mandate for federal workers, travelers, The weirdest items passengers leave behind in Ubers, CBS affiliate WBTV meteorologist and pilot killed in North Carolina helicopter crash, "Multiple fatalities" in massive pile-up on Illinois highway. Two people were pronounced dead at the scene. Two employees at WBTV in Charlotte, North Carolina, were killed Tuesday afternoon in a horrific helicopter crash. Fortunately, there was no vehicles involved in it. (WBTV). WBTV Meteorologist Jason Myers and Sky3 pilot Chip Tayag were killed in a helicopter crash early Tuesday afternoon. The family of Jason Myers, the WBTV meteorologist killed in a November helicopter crash along I-77 in Charlotte, filed a lawsuit Thursday that raises concerns about contaminated fuel and. Nothing about Jason was anything but happy, WBTV anchor Molly Grantham said during a broadcast Tuesday. Traffic Reporter Killed in Crash During Live Report CATHERINE CROCKER October 23, 1986 NEW YORK (AP) _ A million people heard a reporter scream Hit the water 3/8 as her helicopter crashed into the Hudson River during a rush-hour traffic report, killing her and critically injuring the pilot. He returned to face the camera with one arm stretched wide and the other holding a microphone to his trademark smile. We are working to comfort their families in this difficult time. To me, it looks like a heroic incident where the pilot tried to avoid injuring anyone else and putting anyone else in danger. IE 11 is not supported. Police in Charlotte, North Carolina, say that a WBTV pilot acted heroically when he guided his helicopter away from traffic as the aircraft crashed and killed both the pilot, Chip Tayag, and. And we feel lucky to be with people that we work so closely with, in such an intense career and to like our co-workers as family. She said, Chip is a long long-time pilot for WBTV, he is actually through a contractor company, but he has been here a long time and he is an experienced pilot. In 2017, The Indianapolis Business Journal said. 'Jamie and I are learning it here as our newsroom is learning it and trying to figure it out while deeply grieving ,' Grantham said during the broadcast. Authorities said he was not wearing his seatbelt at the time of the crash and was partially ejected. The National Transportation Safety Board will also assist in the investigation into what lead to the crash and the WBTV employees' deaths. Two employees at WBTV in Charlotte, North Carolina, were killed Tuesday afternoon in a horrific helicopter crash. In 1968, she became the nations first female mail carrier, Ms. Guidice said. 'Meteorologist Jason Myers and pilot Chip Tayag lost their lives. 'We will have a moment of silence at tonight's Tree Lighting in their honor,' the team said in a tweet. Myers grew up in Union and Catawba counties and watched WBTV as a child. Myers (pictured) was a North Carolina native and even 'watched WBTV as a child,' the station said in their statement Tuesday. In January 2020. Rise and shine & come join us for your headlines! We are working to comfort their families in this difficult time. Published: 14:47, 7 Jun 2021 JONATHAN Stacey is a transit reporter and meteorologist for WBTV News This Morning. The 2007 crash also resulted in other news chopper safety precautions, including painting a highly visible stripe pattern on the helicopters rotors so that they may more easily be seen from above and adding bright strobe lights to avoid a collision with other aircraft. Tayag explained how pilots make decisions in bad weather. In many markets, prior to the 2007 Phoenix crash, pilots flew the aircraft while also delivering traffic reports on air. In a separate tribute video, the TV station said that Mr. Tayag had started as an information technology professional and had turned to being a pilot as a second career. The helicopter crashed near Interstate 77 and Nations Ford Road in Charlotte, according to officials. We are working to comfort their families in this difficult time. ROCK HILL, S.C. (WBTV) - A Rock Hill woman has pleaded guilty to her role in a wrong-way crash that killed four people, including a 5-year-old child and a teen, in October of 2021.. Rolesha Spears appeared in court Thursday morning, where she entered guilty pleas to four counts of felony driving under the influence involving death and one count of child endangerment. 'Jamie and I are learning it here as our newsroom is learning it and trying to figure it out while deeply grieving ,' Grantham said during the broadcast. Jason was a wonderful, devoted family man, said WRIC meteorologist John Bernier, who worked with Myers during his time in Richmond. ', Yes, I had a goofy look on my face because I was so excited to go flying with Chip in Sky 3. Jason was a wonderful, devoted family man, said WRIC meteorologist John Bernier, who worked with Myers during his time in Richmond. The NPPA declared that pilot/reporters who appear live on camera in the sky should not do so unless accompanied by a co-pilot or a trained observer on board to help avoid collisions.. Here is the full report: News helicopter crashes are rare these days, partly because there are fewer aircraft in the air than there were in the early 2000s, but also because some high-profile crashes led to newsrooms increasing their safety standards. Read the ongoing coverage from The Charlotte Observer below. The local news station confirmed the deaths of meteorologist Jason Myers and. During a news conference after the crash, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Chief Johnny Jennings called Tayag a hero and said that his 'diversionary moves' saved countless lives. "It seemed the pilot that was operating the aircraft made some diversionary moves to avoid hitting traffic," said Jennings. My last morning shift @WBTV_News with @jsrontv. Look at him, trying to make sure that everybody watching understood the intricacies of a delicate and involved forecast by being fun, by being positive, by giving the story, Grantham said during a segment on Tuesday night. Southbound traffic was being diverted off of the highway as well. At this point, it's still unclear what caused the fatal crash. Rice's departure brings relief to immigration advocates, Watch live: White House monkeypox response team holds briefing, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. I spoke with Jason many times about his faith, Whisenant said. In 2017, The Indianapolis Business Journal said, The history of news aircraft stretches back to 1940 when. According to WBTV, Tayag had flown for the station more than 2,000 hours in his five years and had more than 3,700 flights in his log. 'We're giving the news and we're all - all - of our WBTV family grieving Chip and Jason because we love them.' Retrouvez l'ensemble de l'information trafic, travaux et grve des lignes SNCF | TER Auvergne-Rhne-Alpes. He had just landed and he was about to go back up. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. 'We appreciate the outpouring of support for our staff and your continued prayers for their families,' the station said Tuesday. Jilian and Jason were childhood friends and sweethearts. "It seems the pilot that was operating the aircraft made some diversionary moves to avoid hitting traffic To me it looks like a heroic incident where the pilot tried to avoid injuring anyone else and putting anyone else in danger," Jennings said. It wasnt unusual for Myers to go above and beyond during newscasts. Charlotte news station WBTV confirmed that the two people killed in a helicopter crash on Interstate 77 were meteorologist Jason Myers and pilot Chip Tayag. Discover your dream home among our modern houses, penthouses and. As often happens after events like this, other stations spent airtime reflecting on the loss. WBTV's reporting partner, Axios Charlotte, also issued a public statement Tuesday calling Tayag, Myers, and the entire team at the station 'among the best human beings in the business.' (Twitter via WBTV). 'If you pray, please pray for his family, the family of @JMyersWeather, and our @WBTV_News family. Another WBTV employee shared a photo of himself in the Sky3 helicopter that Tayag and Myers were in when they died in a memorial post. He did his best to put it down. https://t.co/LHRO7UCGpG, To say the newsroom is heartbroken is an understatement, Beard wrote in a tweet. Emergency teams worked frantically to resuscitate the victims at the scene before transferring them to hospitals. Those two helicopters were two of five aircraft covering a police chase. It seems the pilot that was operating the aircraft made some diversionary moves to avoid hitting traffic, Charlotte-Mecklenburg police Chief Johnny Jennings said. We have been holding on to this for a while. The aftermath of the crash was captured by highway traffic camera footage, which showed police cars crowded around the crash site. In the statement published by the local news station, Tayag had been a pilot for more than 20 years and 'was known in the company for being one of the best pilots and was constantly studying to make himself a better pilot.'. We appreciate the outpouring of support for our staff and your continued prayers for their families.. NBC Newschannel. And we waited to report this information publicly to make sure that their wives and their families were notified first. Edited by Liz O. Baylen and Mike Benoist. 'Were giving the news and we're all - all - of our WBTV family grieving Chip and Jason because we love them.'. "The Sun", "Sun", "Sun Online" are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited. Here are some top contenders, Human brains show larger-than-life activity at moment of death, Supreme Court to consider overruling Chevron doctrine, Tucker Carlson, on leaked video, derides Fox streaming service, Al Franken blasts Supreme Court: Its illegitimate, Senate rankings: Here are the 5 seats most likely to flip. WBTV reporter Abby Theodros shared her thoughts on Stacey's departure, "Say it ain't so! The NPPA declared that pilot/reporters who appear live on camera in the sky should not do so unless accompanied by a co-pilot or a trained observer on board to help avoid collisions.. He was part of the team. You never met anyone who was as positive and happy as him.. The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the crash. Just hours after their deaths, the Carolina Panthers shared their condolences and announced they would honor the WBTV employees at a tree lighting scheduled for Tuesday evening. CBS Charlotte affiliate WBTVidentified the two people killed as Jason Myers, a meteorologist at the station, and Chip Tayag, the helicopter's pilot. And many of us have been in that helicopter with Chip.. I cant wait to share more about where I will land next," the reporter added. Gov. He checked in with them to form deeper connections than a work life asking about their families, too. Later, she was a member of the satirical San Francisco-based rock band the Tubes. drones delivered stunning images of Houston flooding after a hurricane and a new era of aerial journalism began to grow. THE HILL 1625 K STREET, NW SUITE 900 WASHINGTON DC 20006 | 202-628-8500 TEL | 202-628-8503 FAX. We are working to comfort their families in this difficult time. If you pray, please pray for his family, the family of @JMyersWeather, and our @WBTV_News family. He always cared about the job he was doing and strived to make all his passengers comfortable while covering the news in Charlotte,' Total Traffic and Weather Network said after his death. There are two people involved in this crash that wont be going home to spend time with their loved ones, Chief Jennings said. Both the FAA and National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the crash. Just hours after their deaths, the Carolina Panthers shared their condolences and announced they would honor the WBTV employees at a tree lighting scheduled for Tuesday evening (pictured). The comments below have not been moderated, By 2022 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. "If that is truly the case then that pilot is a hero, in my eyes, to make sure the safety and security of those driving on the road was not in jeopardy.". Most Facebook users can now claim settlement money. WBTV The Robinson R44. There are not that many helicopters in Charlotte. Before work can start, town commissioners had to vote to close the crossing at North Stewart Street; it was unanimous. "So long, Charlotte, it's been a rewarding ride My final day at @WBTV_News is Monday, June 7th," Stacey tweeted. Charlotte Fire said the roadway is shut down at this time. In the statement published by the local news station, Tayag had been a pilot for more than 20 years and 'was known in the company for being one of the best pilots and was constantly studying to make himself a better pilot.'. The television station, WBTV, identified those killed in the crash, which occurred around noon along southbound Interstate 77, as Jason Myers, a meteorologist, and Chip Tayag, a pilot. A car hit a power pole on East Woodlawn Road between South Boulevard and Scaleybark Road just after 2 a.m. An overturned car in the middle of I-277 closed multiple lanes in Charlotte. The two men had infectious smiles and were always kind, the station said. We are hurting. The local news station confirmed the deaths of meteorologist Jason Myers and pilot Chip Tayag after the helicopter they were traveling in crashed along Interstate 77. A study does not show that COVID-19 mask wearing raises risk of stillbirths, other health problems, News from CNN and ESPN, plus other media tidbits and links for your weekend review, To build trust in the age of AI, journalists need new standards and disclosures, Physical Sciences Reporter, C&EN - Washington, DC (20036), Advertising Sales Manager - Spokane, WA (99201), Visiting Faculty in Mass Communication, Journalism & Digital Media Production - Florence, AL (35630), NY Daily News Sr. Hollywood Gossip and Celebrity Columnist - Los Angeles, CA (90006), NY Daily News Hollywood Gossip and Celebrity News Reporter - Los Angeles, CA (90006), Latino Communities News Editor - Bilingual - Hybrid - Meriden, CT (06450), Executive Director - Nashville, TN (37201). I think the guy thinks somethings going to happen in the helicopter. The Senate Education Committee also eliminated a requirement that charter schools and private schools must compete in a higher athletic division. Hope Smith For Dailymail.Com News helicopter crashes are rare these days, partly because there are fewer aircraft in the air than there were in the early 2000s, but also because some high-profile crashes led to newsrooms increasing their safety standards. Myers had previously worked in Raleigh, Texas, and Virginia. We appreciate the outpouring of support for our staff and your continued prayers for their families, WBTV said. ( (Alex Slitz/The Charlotte Observer via AP), by Ciara Lankford, Mike Andrews and Nexstar Media Wire - 11/22/22 3:58 PM ET, US pushed for cyberspace investment as tension mounts over Taiwan, Biden calls McCarthy to meet amid debt ceiling warning, White House to end COVID-19 vaccine requirement for international travelers, Adams rebukes Texas governor for targeting cities with Black mayors to bus asylum seekers, First Republic fallout: Democrats fume as regulators bail out yet another failed bank, Yellen says drop-dead date for debt ceiling is June 1, Hunter Biden appears in court for paternity case, Who will replace Tucker Carlson at Fox News? The history of news aircraft stretches back to 1940 when reporter Raymond Forrest reported from an airplane above New York City. The Charlotte community mourned a familiar, friendly face on their TV screens who never let people forget their umbrella and kept them safe during storms. A boat containing 14 bodies appeared in the Caribbean. Myers talent and passion for weather initially brought the North Carolina native to work as a weather observer at the Raleigh-Durham International Airport in the early 2000s after he graduated from N.C. State. I knew right away he was gonna be good.. Get the Poynter newsletter that's right for you. sparked an industry conversation about news helicopter safety. Tributes began pouring in late Tuesday afternoon from friends, coworkers, and even those who did not know the pair. For hours after the crash, several lanes of traffic were closed to the public near the exit for Nations Ford Road. The helicopter, a Robinson R44 nicknamed Sky3, was from the station. CHARLOTTE, N.C. Two people were killed in a helicopter crash in North Carolina Tuesday that involved a television station helicopter, according to officials with WBTV. "The WBTV family is grieving a. Can't wait to see all the great things you'll do!". Even though he took the good-natured ribbing about being from State and State not being our rival,. At the time, the company said that some of the information in the FAA directive was unfounded. He did his best to put it down. Meyers passion for weather can be traced back to a third-grade science project. 'We send our condolences to the families of Jason Myers and Chip Tayag and everyone at WBTV after today's devastating tragedy,' the team wrote. When he walked into the newsroom, everyones mouths turned to smiles. The EIN for the organization is 59-1630423. The FAA said in a statement said they are investigating the crash, which happened around 12.20pm. "Jason Myers, I could go on and on. In 2009, the National Press Photographers Association endorsed recommendations that news helicopter pilots no longer report live while they are flying the helicopter, which was not uncommon at the time. The incident claimed the lives of meteorologist Jason Myers and pilot Chip Tayag. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. 'We at Axios Charlotte wish to send our condolences to the friends and family of WBTV's Jason Myers and Chip Tayag, who died in a helicopter crash today. Our news helicopter Sky3 crashed mid-day Tuesday with two of our colleagues on board,' the statement read. 'This is a terrible tragedy for the WBTV family and we are praying for them and all of those in the media who work so hard to keep the public informed,' said North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper. But then on his second pass, I knew that something was not right. Read the ongoing coverage from The Charlotte Observer below. Boll and Grantham spent at least 90 minutes providing live coverage before halting to confirm the deaths of Myers and Tayag, having made sure their families were notified. Producer Brandy Beard said she remembers Myers checking in often after a miscarriage. We appreciate the outpouring of support for our staff and your continued prayers for their families.". First published on November 22, 2022 / 2:29 PM. He was a graduate of North Carolina State University. / CBS News. In 2009, the National Press Photographers Association, endorsed recommendations that news helicopter pilots no longer report live while they are flying the helicopter, which was not uncommon at the time. He checked in often after my miscarriage. Lori Guidice, WNBC advertising and promotion director, said Ms. Dornacker, born in Albuquerque, N.M., was named San Franciscos outstanding female comic three years in a row. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. He was so meticulous. She said, This guy is scientific with it, he loved that chopper.. "Our news helicopter Sky3 crashed mid-day Tuesday with two of our colleagues on board," WBTV said in a statement. Both were unconscious and not breathing when I found them, Hashagen, a blanket around his shoulders, said at Bellevue Hospital, where he was treated for exposure and released. By It costs $400,000 to $750,000 to buy a helicopter suitable for TV news coverage and another $50,000 to $100,000 to outfit it with high-definition broadcast equipment. Before that, he worked as a traffic reporter for WBTV News This Morning, where he also co-hosted QC Morning and reported the weather for WBTV News at Noon. We are devastated for them,' the news outlet said. Everyone from the Panthers NFL team to local police and the National Weather Service issued caring statements about the tragedy. He was a graduate of North Carolina State University.