in

North Carolina Community In Mourning After Two Journalists Are Killed While Covering Severe Weather

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.

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.

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.