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John McWethy Obituary
Witnesses said McWethy was skiing fast on an intermediate trail when he missed a turn and slid chest-first into a tree, Summit County Coroner Joanne L. Richardson said. McWethy died of blunt force injuries, she said.
McWethy and his wife, Laurie, moved to Boulder after he retired to be closer to ski slopes and golf courses, ABC News President David Westin said in a statement. Before then, McWethy had been ABC News' chief national security correspondent.
He had to leave the Pentagon after a hijacked plane crashed into the building in 2001 attacks, but he kept reporting from a nearby lawn, Westin recalled.
"He was one of those very rare reporters who knew his beat better than anyone, and had developed more sources than anyone, and yet, kept his objectivity," Westin said.
He was awarded an honorary doctorate by his alma mater, DePauw University, and had a master's degree from Columbia University's journalism school.
Copyright © 2008 The Associated Press
62 Entries
James Bluedorn
October 4, 2020
I watched John on tv he was a great reporter i
would like to extend my condolences to your family James bluedorn
March 4, 2020
I would like to offer my sincerest condolences to the family and friends of mr John Mcwethy a journalist that love his work may the true God bless him
Barbara Muir
July 1, 2017
Laurie, Adam and Ian, I remember you all so well from my time working at Clarendon Child Care Center from 1984 to 1986. Many fond memories of both Adam and Ian there when they were young. I've thought of you often over the years and continued to watch Jack's reporting on ABC news, particularly in the midst of the 9/11 attacks. I was so sorry to hear of Jack's passing at Keystone in 2008, as you were starting your new life in Colorado.Please let accept my very belated condolences.
Barbara Muir
Harry Simpson
February 6, 2016
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
How you can show support
June 13, 2010
John mcwethy Have Fun in Heaven r.i.p 1947-2008
David L.
December 30, 2008
I only just learned of Mr. McWethy's death, earlier this year.
I have always valued excellent journalism, which is in rare supply these days. Mr. McWethy's reports were a regular source of sober, intelligent, and informed reporting.
We need more like him.
Dan Verbeck KCUR-NPR
June 2, 2008
Jack was a journalist's journalist. He never knew how many broadcasters he inspired. I am one of the legion.
You and all of your family must always take great pride in his work. And in the man he was. He lives on in the profession.
Kindest regards,
Susan Bishop
April 3, 2008
Susan (Weber) Bishop, LTHS, class of '65.
Kate (McMartin) Cragwall
February 25, 2008
Laurie, How sad to hear of Jack's sudden death. I have only wonderful memories of both of you.
He was so bright, insightful and full of courage. My heart aches for your loss. Love, Kate
Cindy Croneigh Burrell
February 20, 2008
Laurie, I hope to see you sometime soon, as I remember you well and think of you often.
I followed Jack's career closely, as my son Matt became an Army Journalist. He was deployed to Iraq in 2003. Now my other son, Mark, is in Iraq! I did not know Jack well in college, but whenever I met him over the years I was always impressed by his willingness to engage and get to know the other person!
Thinking of you and your two sons, Cindy Croneigh Burrell
Frederick Ostby
February 17, 2008
Hi Laurie,
I was saddened by the news of Jack's death. I knew him many years ago when he was reporting for U.S. News and World Report. I was the head of the National Severe Storms Forecast Center in Kansas City. I did several interviews with him when he would call to do a story about severe weather outbreaks.
Fred Ostby
Yvonne Doll
February 13, 2008
Dear McWethy Family:
My thoughts and prayers are with you in this most difficult time. Mr. McWethy was a wonderful media teacher and consultant to the hundreds of military officers he touched at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. God Bless your family.
February 12, 2008
God bless you and give you strength. John was a true American. Pam , LTHS class of '65
Jewell Everett Sheldon
February 11, 2008
Dear Laurie and Family,
We are thinking of you. May God give you great strength and sustain you now as well as in the days ahead.
Love,
Jewell
Brian Deleski
February 11, 2008
Adam and family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I wish you peace in this difficult time.
James Keys, Jr. and Family
February 11, 2008
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Prilla O'Connell
February 10, 2008
Laurie,
I am so sad to hear this tragic news of Jack. Even though, I have lost touch with you, anytime I watched Jack on the news, I would always think about "his wife was the very first person I met when I started DPU." I am so sorry that Jack had to die a tragic death doing something he loved! Laurie, you and your 2 sons are in my thoughts and prayers! Prilla O'Connell
kathy tobin
February 10, 2008
My brother and Jack were friends in Western Springs. My dad, Ray Erickson, was Jack's scout leader and told wonderful stories of their camping trips which revealed the fun-loving kid he was. My husband's family was close to the McWethys as well and we all watched his career with pride. Our sympathies to you. I hope your happy memories are comforting to you at this most difficult time. Kathy and Chris Tobin
robert piechowski
February 9, 2008
He truly was a professional at his job. May he rest in peace.
Mary Vallad
February 9, 2008
Laurie, you may not remember us from DePauw, but we heard about Jack and are so sorry for your loss. Know that you and your family are in our prayers. Mary Kilgore Vallad and Mandy McClure Klezek
Wendy Romano
February 9, 2008
Dear Laurie, Ian and Adam:
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. We look forward to seeing you in Arlington, VA with heart felt hugs. We are so sad and so very sorry for your loss.
Wendy, Steve and Joe Romano
Dick Swanson
February 9, 2008
Dear McWethy Family,
Please accept my deepest and most sincere condolences for your great loss. Growing up with Jack in Western Springs, Il. was a fun time and Jack was a good friend and person. He will be missed.
Ron Shafer
February 9, 2008
Jack's father hired me at The Wall Street Journal, where I worked for 38 years. Not long ago I met Jack when we golfed together. He was like his dad: unassuming and decent with a passion for journalism and family. He also golfed better than the rest of us. He will be missed
R Davis
February 9, 2008
Just to say I'm so sorry for your loss. May God the hearer of prays be with you and your family. And know that the promises of Matthew 6:9,10 is the hope for our dear loved ones.
Ms. Charlotte Chambers
February 9, 2008
I join the list of condolences to the McWethy family. His contributions to us in America and in the world will never be forgotten. Many thanks to Mr. McWethy for enlightenment in education for us all.
Steven Dinius
February 9, 2008
From what I saw of him on television, he was an earnest man who did the best job he could and never rose above the story. For that he can be thanked, honored and missed a lot.
Deb Goodrich
February 8, 2008
I worked with John at Fort Leavenworth, KS, in training the officers to deal with the media. I saw him just a few days ago when we had a media exercise and he was never more ...joyful. I don't know how else to describe him. He seemed at peace, he seemed never to take more pleasure in his life, in his home, in his wife and family. How sad to be taken at this time and yet what a blessing. I feel privileged to have known him, I feel so selfish for I was looking forward to learning more from him, and I feel so much love and sympathy for his wife and sons. I take inspiration from his example. I hope his family finds comfort in the life he led and the memories he has left them. May God grant them peace in their loss. I wrote about him in my blog and invite you to read it: masondixonwildwest.blogspot.com
Mary Joan Simon
February 8, 2008
Please accept my most heartfelt sympathy in the loss of such a wonderful man. I had the pleasure of knowing John's Father and Mother, as I was a nurse in Phoenix many years ago, and remember the love and pride John Sr had for his son. I will remember you all in my prayers
Anthony Mangano
February 8, 2008
To family and friends of John:
I was saddened to hear the news about this last night. Our family views channel 6 news just about every evening and I will miss John's reporting. May his soul be with God.
John Cork
February 8, 2008
To John's family,
Please accept my deepest sympathies in your loss. Like so many others, I watched ABC News every night and enjoyed hearing John present the news as only he could. Thank you for sharing him with us for so many years.
Jean Wells
February 8, 2008
Laurie, I was with Stephanie Thomopoulos this morning. She told me about your husband's skiing accident. I am terribly sorry to hear the news. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
With deepest sympathy,
Maxine Winfield
February 8, 2008
In My Pocket
I have memories in my pocket.
They rattle among the change.
My memories of you are treasures I carry wherever I go.
They are stored in bits and pieces, parts of a beautiful whole
They give me comfort when I think I am alone.
Yes, I have memories in my pocket, like so much other stuff I keep there.
But of all the treasures I have, it’s the memories of you that are the most precious.
Hank Ickes
February 8, 2008
I got to know Jack and his family a bit through a church in Arlington, VA while they lived in the DC area. They were all very decent, thoughtful people, and I was sorry to see them move away.
Take care of yourselves, folks!
Bob Slette
February 8, 2008
My deepest sympathy to the McWethy's. My relation with the McWethy family dates back to Western Springs.
Adam Gibson
February 8, 2008
A terrible loss just as John was beginning to enjoy retirement doing the things that he loved. But I am sure John would have rather gone that way instead of hooked up to machines in a hospice.
Godspeed.
sandra weimer
February 8, 2008
My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead.
Roberta Atkins
February 8, 2008
To his family and friends:
Our deepest sympathy to you. He was indeed a professional. May God hold you close in His arms and comfort you at the difficult time. May John rest in peace.
Tom Gugliuzza-Smith
February 8, 2008
My heartfelt sympathy to the McWethy family in the loss of John.
a mother
February 8, 2008
To his wife and family:
I couldn't believe the news about John and this tragic ski accident. One year ago on the exact same day I lost my 10-year old son to a ski accident when he also hit a tree. He must have been a wonderful man because he had been to many dangerous places in his life but God chose to bring him home doing something he truly loved. I sure my son is showing him the best ski runs!!
Sheila Smith
February 8, 2008
Rest in Peace John.
Bob
February 8, 2008
I'm sorry to hear of your loss. John certainly wasn't afraid of a dangerous situation if the story would enlighten us to the plight of others in the world. Thank you for your passion.May God bless you.
Kim Weldon
February 7, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Leon Darnell
February 7, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with the McWethy family and with the family of ABC news.
Christine
February 7, 2008
This is so sad not only for John McWethy's family but his ABC News family, as well; my thoughts and prayers are with them. John will be remembered as a man of character and integrity. Take care and God Bless your dearly departed soul, Mr. McWethy.
Kevin Cahill
February 7, 2008
John was a superb and knowledgeable reporter. He will be missed by many for his human touch and journalistic excellence.
Rest In Peace
Michael iezzi
February 7, 2008
Father we entrust our brother John to your mercy. You loved him greatly in this life: now that he is freed from all its cares, give him happiness and peace forever. Welcome him now into paradise where there will be no more sorrow, no more weeping or pain, but only peace and joy with Jesus your Son, and the Holy Spirit forever and ever.
May God hold John in the palm of His hand. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. My deepest sympathy.
Deidre Werner
February 7, 2008
There is a plan for each and every one of us. God had plans for John. I enjoyed his news reports and he took his job serious. He will be missed by many. God Bless his family!
clarissa ortiz
February 7, 2008
what a terrible tragedy, please never blame God for such terrible ocurrences. james 1:13 says: "when under trial, let no one say: "i am being tried by God." for with evil things God cannot be tried, nor does he himself try anyone. please accept our heartfelt condolences on the loss of your loved one. may he rest in God's memory to await the earthly resurrecction.
clarissa ortiz
February 7, 2008
what a terrible tragedy, pleawe never blame God for such terrible ocurrences. james 1:13 says: "when under trial, let no one say: "i am being tried by God." for with evil things God cannot be tried, nor does he himself try anyone. please accept our heartfelt condolences on the loss of your loved one. may he rest in God's memory to await the earthly resurrecction.
Mr. & Mrs. Shields
February 7, 2008
To the family of John McWethy, you have our deepest sympathy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless you.
Cheryl
February 7, 2008
When you watch ABC News everyday, reporters like John seem like part of our family. How sad and unexpected to lose John in this way. Thoughts and Prayers to his "real" family and friends.
Shirley H Barron
February 7, 2008
Please accept my heartfelt deepest sympathy in this trying time. May your family find peace and solace very soon. I am praying with you all.
Gerald and Betty Kaczmarczyk
February 7, 2008
MAY God bless you and your family on your loss, we remember John as a fine newsreporter we always enjoyed his reporting.
Kathleen Gwinn
February 7, 2008
My prayers are with your family during this time. I always enjoyed watching him on the news!
Elizabeth
February 7, 2008
I am so sorry for your loss. What a devastating loss this is for you and your family. I will pray for the family. Gods Blessings!
Tom Atkachunas
February 7, 2008
We never know what is God's plan for us....appearantly John was meant to have an untimely death as part of the plan. May the family accept God's will with strength and know that this is not the end.
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