UPDATE
The Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences lists Woodard's manner of death as natural.
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| Brad Woodard |
"He was a kind, talented man who wrestled with some unkind problems," KHOU 11 Executive News Director Philip Bruce told mikemcguff.com. "It’s very sad over here."
According to KHOU, authorities discovered Woodard's body Wednesday morning after a relative called police to check on him. He had failed to return several phone calls and investigators say there was no evidence of foul play.
"With a sublime story telling voice that frequently reached the exquisite Brad Woodard used his craft and tremendous heart to protect and defend all creatures, human and otherwise," friend and Fox 26 KRIV reporter Greg Groogan told mikemcguff.com. "I mourn him and will remember him well."
Last February I reported that Woodard had been let go from KHOU.
As I posted back then, Woodard joined KHOU in 2006 from KARE-TV, the NBC affiliate in Minneapolis-St. Paul. Prior to that he worked for WTVF-TV, the CBS affiliate in Nashville, TN and WSAV-TV in Savannah, GA, where he anchored, reported and produced documentaries.
He also appeared in the HBO film, "Vietnam War Stories," and on the short-lived ABC television series, "Breaking Away." The bio also notes his work appeared on NBC's "Today" show nearly 200 times.
In the last 24 hours, social media has been full of tributes to the award winning reporter. He was known as a top rated journalist and talented writer.
UPDATE 7/10/2014
Brad Woodard was laid to rest yesterday in Hayesville, NC. Reporters Kevin Reece of KHOU, Jason Whitely of WFAA, Alex Sanz of AP, and KHOU photographers Tom Empey and Gregg Hamilton attended.
UPDATE 7/7/2014
Here is Woodard's online obituary:
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Wednesday, July 9, 2014 in the Mount Pleasant Baptist Church with the Revs. Chad Chandler and Lewis Walker officiating. Interment will be in the church cemetery. Pallbearers will be Stan Woodard, Gregg Hamilton, Jason Whitely, Kevin Reece, Tom Empey, and Tom Gasparoli. Jake Empey will serve as honorary pallbearer.
@Christineonfox7: Very sad to hear about the death of one the best journalists I've known. RIP Brad Woodard. God Bless your soul.
— Christine Haas (@Christineonfox7) July 3, 2014
Just not a good day. Reporter Brad Woodard passed away. I can still see him sitting at his desk saying "living the dream." RIP Brad.
— Butch Alsandor (@ButchAlsandor) July 3, 2014
Sickened to hear of the death of former KHOU reporter Brad Woodard. I've always viewed him as among the most talented TV reporters - ever.
— Scott Packard (@ScottiePackard) July 3, 2014
