'A Cincinnati broadcast legend': Friends, colleagues react to John Lomax's death
Friends and colleagues are sharing tributes for longtime Local 12 (WKRC-TV) anchor John Lomax, who died, according to a statement from his family. He was 72 years old.
In the statement, Lomax's family said he had been diagnosed with pneumonia and died suddenly after suffering complications at a hospital.
Lomax joined Local 12 as a reporter in 1983 and became a morning show anchor in 1990. He co-anchored "Good Morning Cincinnati" for 32 years, and retired from the station after 39 years in 2022.
On social media, journalists at Local 12 and other Cincinnati TV stations reacted to the news Wednesday.
"I am heartbroken this morning," Local 12 reporter Jen Dalton posted on X. "Our friend, co-worker, our 'Godfather' John Lomax has passed away. I told my family last night & my son said 'he was the first one at your work to hold me'... here he is holding my son. I have no more words right now except I love and miss you John."
I am heartbroken this morning. Our friend, co-worker, our "Godfather" John Lomax has passed away. I told my family last night & my son said "he was the first one at your work to hold me"... here he is holding my son. I have no more words right now except I love and miss you John pic.twitter.com/3JqCLQp3I8
— Jen Dalton (@jendalton12) March 13, 2024
"Heartbroken by the news of the passing of John Lomax," longtime News 5 (WLWT-TV) anchor Courtis Fuller wrote. "A good man and a Cincinnati broadcast legend. Sending my condolences and prayers to his family."
"Sending all the love to our friends and colleagues at Local 12," News 5 anchor Kelly Rippin posted. "There is no questioning the huge impact John Lomax has had on this city and this profession. His smiling face at events & around town will forever be missed."
Heartbroken by the news of the passing of John Lomax. A good man and a Cincinnati broadcast legend. Sending my condolences and prayers to his family. https://t.co/JVf1r2jA0n
— Courtis Fuller (@CourtisWLWT) March 13, 2024
Sending all the love to our friends and colleagues at @Local12.
There is no questioning the huge impact John Lomax has had on this city and this profession.
His smiling face at events & around town will forever be missed. https://t.co/buU3CkcHkY— Kelly Rippin WLWT (@KellyRippin) March 13, 2024
Lomax was part of Local 12's "'80s kids" – what staffers call the group of reporters and anchors who worked together back then and remain close now.
He is survived by his wife, Donna, and his children, Lindsey and Brandon, as well as his grandchildren.
See more social media tributes below:
My heart is broken. John Lomax - my mentor, my friend, my 2nd dad… has passed on.
His family shared this…
*If it helps, we've been talking to him all day. We hope that you find comfort in the same, and in reflection of the memories with which he left you. Such a gift.* pic.twitter.com/60EaN5K7Fj— Bob Herzog (@Bob_Herzog) March 13, 2024
Our heart are broken. John Lomax was the ultimate champion for the Heart Mini and a dear friend of the AHA. We will miss you John. pic.twitter.com/jiX3eVw5jZ
— Heart Mini (@theHeartMini) March 13, 2024
Heart broken to wake to the news that longtime newsman and a morning alarm clock for Cincinnati for decades, John Lomax has passed away. My heart is with our friends at @Local12 and my dear friend @SheilaGrayTV this morning. Rest in peace John. pic.twitter.com/iHi63J57A2
— Frank Marzullo (@FOX19Frank) March 13, 2024
I've gone back and forth from being totally numb to crying my eyes out tonight. But I think I'm going to head home and try to get some sleep. Please keep John's family and my @Local12 Family in your prayers. https://t.co/9gadxtSP0q
— John Gumm (@JohnGumm) March 13, 2024
Our hearts at @Local12 are heavy tonight. RIP John Lomax. You were the best of us. pic.twitter.com/rs2xbI8OZa
— paula toti (@paulatoti) March 13, 2024
This world is not the same without John Lomax. As a young producer he took me under his wing. He told me I could be something, even when I didn’t believe it myself. John was professional, kind, and made every day in the newsroom special. I love you John. pic.twitter.com/HZTSaE1sMg
— Tanner Ayres (@TannerAyres) March 13, 2024
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Cincinnati TV broadcasters react to John Lomax's death