Is Gio Benitez OK? Fans pray for ‘GMA’ star’s safety as he takes on high-risk assignment in Maui
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: ‘Good Morning America’ weekend anchor, Gio Benitez, is on a high-risk assignment in Hawaii where massive wildfires continue to wreak havoc and destruction.
The wildfires have caused rampant damage to property and wildlife, with at least 53 people losing their lives due to the natural disaster.
After learning about the situation in Hawaii, ‘GMA’ fans have pleaded with Benitez to “stay safe” as massive fires continue to blaze through Maui. Reporting from the ground, the 37-year-old was spotted close to the sites of these wildfires.
Despite all the precautions, Benitez and his team continue to report from Hawaii and it’s yet uncertain as to when they will return to the studio.
Is Gio Benitez OK?
Gio reported from the island on Thursday morning, August 10,. He stated that there are "at least three wildfires still burning,” and further elaborated to his co-hosts that he could still smell the fires burning in the air.
During the time of the broadcast, the 37-year-old confirmed that at least 36 people died from the wildfires.
Despite the fires still burning, Gio was in the middle of it all, reporting in dangerous winds, and interviewing people who lost their homes and family.
The 'GMA' host told viewers that there is only one way in and one way out of Maui as hundreds of residents and tourists tried to escape the wildfires.
Gio mentioned that the gushing winds over the island state have only fanned the flames of the wildfire and made matters worse for the residents and tourists.
He said, ”The hope is that the winds die down to help the search and rescue effort. They really need that. And there is a worry for what that means for residents on the island,”
However, Gio was there just last week for a vacation with his husband, Tommy DiDario, when the fires broke out. But post his vacation, the ‘GMA’ host has been reporting on this unfortunate incident.
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‘Get somewhere safe’
Fans were worried after witnessing Benitez reporting live from Hawaii. He could be seen on the highway with a line of cars stuck in their lanes.
The ‘GMA’ host also spoke to many people on the ground to try to gauge the situation better. Given his reporting from the risky location, fans begged him to be safe.
One fan wrote, “Get somewhere safe, please” while another said, "So incredibly devastating. Stay safe G.”
His co-hosts Ginger Zee and Janai Norman also prayed for Benitez’s safety. Zee commented, “So glad you both are ok and so sad for all their losses,” while Norman said, “Heartbreaking images. So glad you two are safe.”
A fifth wrote, “Impactful and important reporting - Thankful. Be safe.”
