WDJT-TV (Channel 58) meteorologist Lance Hill is on a medical leave of absence from the station.
Sources said he is reportedly recovering from a stroke.
Photo credit WDJT
Hill, 45, who joined the station in 2011 has been off the air since November. He was meteorologist on WDJT’s morning newscast.
Until recently his replacements said they were “filling in” for Lance.
Hill’s absence has been noticed and commented on by viewers and members of the local broadcast community.
In a statement Hill confirmed that he had “a medical issue.”
“The station is working with me and they’ve been great … basically telling me whatever time you need you take it.”
Hill is married with two children and lives in Waukesha.
A stroke is an interruption of blood to the brain. According to StrokeCenter.org three-quarters of strokes occur in people over 65, but they can occur at any age. According to the New York Times 10 to 15% occur in those 45 and younger.
Hill’s last post about the local forecast appeared on the WDJT page Nov. 10. Ironically it noted that “big changes are on the way.”
Hill spent a decade at WISN-TV (Channel 12) as meteorologist and reporter before leaving in 2009. He then worked in sports marketing at Good Karma Broadcasting and helped out at WTMJ-TV (Channel 4) on a freelance basis in early 2011 before joining WDJT later that year.
To viewers who called the station inquiring about his absence he said that he is “working on his personal recovery. I miss the daily interaction with viewers” and “wholly appreciate their support.”
WDJT vice president and general manager Mark Strachota confirmed Hill was on a medical leave.
WDJT is owned by Chicago-based Weigel Broadcast Group.
Tags: Lance Hill, stroke, WDJT Posted by