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Who is Gary Waddell's wife? Longtime Channel 8 host, 77, dies of Covid complications

Despite being fully vaccinated against the virus, Gary Waddell suffered a 'breakthrough infection', reports say

Longtime Channel 8 anchor Gary Waddell passed away Thursday, September 2 night at St Rose Dominican Hospital’s Siena Campus. He was 77 years old. He is said to have died from complications from Covid. He suffered a heart attack just before midnight Thursday, September 2. Despite being fully vaccinated against the virus, Waddell suffered a 'breakthrough infection', reports say. Waddell was the main anchor on KLAS-TV, Channel 8’s evening newscasts for more than three decades. 

Waddell's long time friend, Tom Vannozzi spoke of his demise and said, "He was the longest-serving newscaster in Las Vegas history. He did everything right but it was just he’s one of those people who had the complications that made COVID that much more serious." Gary Waddell retired in August 2012. We witnessed the demise of many great names in recent months. Janet Malcom, Dick Stolley, Heidi Ferrer, and Robin Miller are to name a few.

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Lisa Howfield, Vice President & GM, KLAS TV 8, said in a statement, "The family at KLAS TV – 8 News Now is saddened to hear of Gary Waddell’s passing. Gary’s name will forever be remembered as a respected and iconic journalist in our great city. He worked at KLAS for 32 years, sitting alongside Paula Francis as our evening anchor.  We have lost a dear family member and our hearts are heavy today.  Our condolences to his family and many friends who share in our grief." Gary Waddell began his career as a television reporter in Las Vegas in 1971 and as the noon weather anchor on KORK TV before moving to KLAS, Channel 8 in 1980. 

Who is Gary Waddell's wife?

Gary Waddell was on good terms with his ex-wife Chrisse Waddell despite being divorced. Chrisse said, “Despite the fact that we legally divorced, we remained family through all these years. My family was his family. We are all feeling the loss, as are Gary’s many friends and the people who admired his work for decades." She requested privacy during the difficult time.

'A true LV journalistic icon'

Fans paid tribute to the legendary news anchor after his demise. One person tweeted, "What sad news. Longtime Las Vegans know how great he was. A true LV journalistic icon. RIP Gary Waddell. He will be deeply missed." Another wrote, "RIP Gary Waddell. Good man, good journalist. Really sorry to learn of his passing. My sympathies to his family, friends and his many former colleagues at @8NewsNow" One tweet read, "What bummer Longtime Channel 8 anchor Gary Waddell dies from heart attack while being treated for #Covid_19 #victims"

One user said, "The loss of Gary Waddell hurts. He was a tremendous anchor, colleague and friend. I could fill volumes with Gary stories, all of which would bring smiles, but on Labor Day Wknd, home of the Muscular Dystrophy Telethon, his passion for the kids and cause was unmatched. RIP Gary" Another tweet read, "It is with extremely heavy hearts that all of us who knew and worked with Gary Waddell are taking in the news of his passing. He was such a pro with a great sense of humor. He cared about everyone in the newsroom. Every single person. RIP my friend"