The public is often blissfully unaware of the extreme adversity that journalists reckon with on a daily basis in order to deliver a news story. From a cultural climate which frequently criticizes the media, to less-than-forthcoming interview subjects, to natural disasters, the journalistic profession is more difficult and fraught than many of us realize.
Recently, two journalists were tragically killed while reporting on a dangerous weather situation, and various reporters are now mourning their loss.
WYFF News 4 anchor Mike McCormick and photojournalist Aaron Smeltzer were covering the heavy rainfall in Polk County, North Carolina when a large tree, three feet in diameter, fell on their van. McCormick and Smeltzer were both killed in the accident.
WYFF News 4 anchor Mike McCormick and WYFF News 4 photojournalist Aaron Smeltzer died Monday when a tree fell on their SUV. https://t.co/VZZKA6K6qq All of us at WYFF News 4 are grieving. We are a family. pic.twitter.com/IQmZ6prUIH
— WYFF News 4 (@wyffnews4) May 28, 2018
Tryon Fire Chief Geoffrey Tennant reported to the scene and says that the incident was an emotional one, considering he had just given an interview to McCormick shortly before the accident.
“It personally affected me a little bit because I had done an interview with Mr. McCormick about 10 minutes before we got the call. And we had talked a little bit about how he wanted us to stay safe and I wanted him to stay safe and of course 10 or 15 minutes later we got the call and it was him and his photographer,” Tennant told WYFF News 4. “It’s the first time I ever met either one of those two gentleman, but you feel a sense of responsibility to them.”
In a statement, WYFF says, “All of us at WYFF News 4 are grieving. We are a family and we thank you, our extended family, for your comfort as we mourn and as we seek to comfort the families of Mike and Aaron.”
Journalists on Twitter also offered their condolences and words of support.
“Two journalists working to keep the public informed about this storm have tragically lost their lives, and we mourn with their families, friends and colleagues,” North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooperhttps://t.co/bYajkh9CWx
— Dianne Gallagher (@DianneG) May 29, 2018
Please spare a moment to mourn for two good men, good journalists, killed while doing their jobs today. Mike McCormick and Aaron Smeltzer worked for WYFF and died covering weather danger in Tryon NC.
— Gordon R. Dill (@GordonRDill) May 28, 2018
@wyffnews4 is a competitor on air but Mike and Aaron are part of a larger family of local journalists. They were respected professionals. We are all worse off for their loss.
— Gordon R. Dill (@GordonRDill) May 28, 2018
These two were out in the storm, working to get critical information back to their viewers. A stark reminder severe weather is unpredictable and deadly. And, life is so precious. May they Rest In Peace. pic.twitter.com/tdBgTycDgW
— Letisha Bereola (@LetishaANjax) May 29, 2018
.@LetishaANjax there have been times after our storm coverage when neighbors or even viewers who see me out in the grocery store, will stop & say thanks for helping keep us safe w/your coverage. What an honor as a journalist. My heart & prayers for the @wyffnews4 news team. #RIP https://t.co/jhq5X1jspH
— DawnDLOLopez (@DawnANjax) May 29, 2018
My heart breaks at the loss of two fellow journalists from @wyffnews4 – they were doing their jobs so bravely in hopes of protecting others from a storm. https://t.co/3OLI8jl4Kd
— Susan-Elizabeth (@susanelizabethL) May 28, 2018
Awful…
A reminder that there are a lot of #journalists putting themselves in danger to cover stories every day, in ways you probably don’t even think about – as simple as a storm update to warn the public about conditions. Think about them the next time you blast “the media.” https://t.co/t8kNF93Kj6
— Ilana Keller (@IlanaKeller) May 29, 2018
Appreciating these journalists, killed covering a dangerous story, and the grief of their families and colleagues. https://t.co/EXqPpgh1VX
— Melanie Sill (@melaniesill) May 28, 2018
It’s moments like these which remind us all that reporters endure far more than public scrutiny when they’re in the field — and these people deserve our respect, particularly in a time when solid journalism is more integral to our society than ever.