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JOURNALIST Leon Harris has revealed why he is stepping away from his role at the NBC affiliate WRC-TV.
The anchor’s departure comes just months after leaving viewers concerned following a Thanksgiving broadcast.
Harris, who has been part of the team at WRC-TV for the past eight years, announced his departure from the network on Tuesday.
The 63-year-old revealed the decision to walk away was difficult, per a statement shared on the outlet’s website.
“As you know I took time off to focus on my health and family,” he said.
“After 40+ years of non-stop work and the dramatic changes in the news and television industry, I’ve made the difficult decision to step away from my role at NBC4.
“This is the right time to prioritize my health and family.”
Harris had been off-screen for around four months before announcing his decision to leave.
Viewers grew concerned for the veteran anchor after he appeared to stumble through a News4 at 6 broadcast on November 28.
At moments during the broadcast, he also appeared to struggle with pronouncing some words.
“Check your guy,” one viewer urged NBC chiefs.
Those who tuned into the news said it was “hard” to watch the broadcast.
Fans said they were praying for the reporter and wished him well.
Days later, execs at WRC-TV issued a statement about Harris.
They said the anchor appeared “unwell” during the broadcast and revealed he will be stepping away from the desk.
“We here at NBC4 – and you at home – care deeply about Leon and wish him well.”
They didn’t reveal when Harris would be back on the air.
Leon Harris full statement
JOURNALIST Leon Harris has left the NBC affiliate WRC-TV. He issued the following statement:
“Many of you have kindly asked about me over the past few months.
“As you know, I took time off to focus on my health and family.
“After 40+ years of nonstop work and the dramatic changes in the news and television industry, I’ve made the difficult decision to step away from my role at NBC4.
“I’m grateful to NBC4 for having me as part of their team for the last eight years.
“This is the right time to prioritize my health and family. A special thanks to my amazing colleagues, friends, and especially to our viewers who welcomed me into their homes. It’s been an honor. Thank you.”
Source: WRC-TV
His departure from WRC-TV comes more than a decade after his battle with necrotizing pancreatitis.
In September 2013, Harris recalled the moment leading up to the diagnosis.
He compared the pain to being kicked by a horse.
Harris recalled that August 1 2013 seemed like a normal day before he started to feel pain in his stomach.
“I’ve actually been run over by a truck – none of that compared to what I felt in my stomach at that time,” he told CNN.
He initially thought the pain he was experiencing was just gas.
Harris’ wife, Dawn, found him on the bathroom floor and rushed him to the hospital.
And, he was rushed to intensive care.
Doctors called his wife and revealed that they were going to put him on a ventilator.
“My pancreas basically decided to start dying and taking my kidneys, my lungs and other internal organs along with it,” he said.
But, the anchor was back at work within weeks of the health scare.
Last fall, Harris underwent surgery for a foot injury.
And, during an appearance on the network, he gave one piece of advice to viewers.
“Whatever you do, do not run up and down stairs in socks,” he said.
Tributes have poured in after news of the journalist’s WRC-TV departure emerged.
Fans revealed that Harris will be “sorely missed.”
“I miss seeing his face in the evenings during the evening newscast,” one viewer said.
