The community of Oklahoma City is in mourning over the suicide death of Wayne Stafford, a beloved anchor for KOKH’s Good Day OK, which occurred on November 27, 2023.
Stafford, aged 36, has been an employee of KOKH since 2017. He was renowned for his positive outlook on life, fervor for running, and devotion to his family.
He is survived by his son, George, who was born in 2022, and his spouse, Maria.
Stafford’s demise was met with profound sorrow and condolences from numerous colleagues and viewers, who took to social media to express their astonishment.
Stafford, according to a statement published on the KOKH website, “was a cherished member of the FOX 25 family and will be sorely missed.”
In addition, the statement urged those with mental health concerns to seek assistance and provided links to resources for suicide prevention.
What Caused The Suicide Of Wayne Stafford?
At this time, the precise circumstances and motivations surrounding Wayne Stafford’s suicide remain unknown.
Nevertheless, certain sources have posited that he might have been grappling with anxiety, melancholy, or personal or professional stress.
As per the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), the tenth most prevalent cause of mortality in the United States is suicide, which frequently exhibits associations with substance misuse or mental health disorders.
Stafford had not manifested suicidal ideation or distress on his social media accounts or during his television appearances.
His final tweet, which was published on November 26, 2023, was a retweet of a message thanking KOKH and Kroger for their holiday food drive on behalf of the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma.
On November 25, 2023, he published his final Instagram post, which was a photograph of himself and his son at the Oklahoma City Zoo.
However, family and associates of Stafford have disclosed that he has been contending with personal difficulties over the last few months.
His Mexican-born wife, Maria, was unable to visit her relatives as a result of the COVID-19 travel restrictions and the ongoing conflict in Israel.
Wayne Stafford had encountered certain viewers who expressed disapproval regarding his reporting on the conflict and its consequences for the Jewish and Muslim communities in Oklahoma.
It has been reported that despite employing counseling and medication to address his mental health issues, Stafford resorted to self-harm.
He expressed his affection for his wife and son and apologized for his actions in a note that he left behind.
Wikipedia and Age of Wayne Stafford
On June 15, 1987, Wayne Stafford was born in Denver, Colorado. In 2009, he received his bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communication from Colorado State University.
Beginning his career in 2009, he was a multimedia journalist and correspondent for KOLN/KGIN in Lincoln, Nebraska, where he remained until 2012.
He subsequently relocated to WVVA in Bluefield, West Virginia, where he served from 2012 to 2015 as a correspondent and anchor.
He commenced employment at KOKH in Oklahoma City in 2017 as an anchor for the morning program, Good Day OK. Stafford gained renown for his dynamic and captivating approach to news coverage and anchoring.
Local news and sports were among the many subjects he covered, in addition to national and international affairs. Additionally, he had a talent for discovering stories of human interest that moved the viewers’ emotions.
Wayne Stafford was a fitness enthusiast and an ardent runner as well. He had completed several marathons nationwide, including the Boston Marathon in 2021.
On his social media accounts, he frequently shared running advice and experiences and encouraged others to follow in his footsteps.
Additionally, he was a devout parent to George, his son, whom he regarded as “the greatest thing that ever occurred to me.”
He frequently shared photographs and videos depicting him and his son at home or various Oklahoma City attractions.
His colleagues at KOKH adored and admired Stafford, describing him as “a delight to collaborate with,” “an epitome of professionalism,” and “a friend to all.”
Additionally, many of his audience members regarded him for his optimistic outlook, witty personality, and compassionate nature.
For his contributions to journalism, he was honored with numerous awards and nominations, including an Emmy nomination in 2020.
The funeral for Wayne Stafford will be conducted at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Oklahoma City on December 2, 2023.
Instead of flowers, his family has requested that memorial contributions be made to the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma or the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
Also Read: Juan Williams Of Fox News Quits The Five! 43 Years Married Life
