john winter dead at 39
All of Tampa Bay is in mourning today. It seems that NewsChannel 8 meteorologist John Winter took his own life yesterday. Not many details are available as to what what hurting John so badly, but his life and commitment to charity certainly made a positive impact for many of us here in Tampa Bay.
I did not know him personally, but would hear him on radio, and watch his forecasts on the news. He was one of the best, wittiest broadcasters in the area, and will sorely be missed.
Read & sign John Winter’s memorial guest book.
TBO.com: Meteorologist Was A Ray Of Sunshine
Walt Belcher: …One of life’s rhythms will change.
St. Pete Times: Death stuns viewers, colleagues
Tampa Bay’s 10 quotes John Patterson: John was such a friendly outgoing fun guy
Ledger quotes Gayle Guyardo: “He… brings such a light to the rest of us…”
Tampa Pirate: My Favorite Weatherman
Nite Cricket: favorite weather guy
We send our condolences to John’s family and friends, and offer good thoughts of John to all of them. We hope and pray that he has found peace.
update 9:51am: changed links per Loren’s comment.
Tags: citizens, tampa, tv
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April 6th, 2007 at 9:36 am
The URL for the Winter obit has changed. It’s now http://tbo.com/news/metro/MGBID1D460F.html
April 6th, 2007 at 12:03 pm
Very sad. He always seemed like a happy guy. Peace and strength to his loved ones who grieve.
April 6th, 2007 at 2:48 pm
Very sad. Thanks for covering all of this. Hope his family understands that many kind thoughts are with them ….
April 7th, 2007 at 4:58 pm
It is very sad, but it also goes to show the complexity and seriousness of depression. He will be truly missed.
Peace
Mark
aka
The Tampa Pirate
April 7th, 2007 at 7:28 pm
OUR HEARTS GO OUT THE FAMILY. WE WILL MISS HIM SO MUCH. DEPRESSIVE IS REAL AND SAD
April 7th, 2007 at 8:46 pm
we still can’t believe that we will never see or hear john again. it hasn’t sunk in yet. we enjoyed his program and him so much. he was so light hearted, but you can’t tell what’s going on inside from the outside. our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
April 8th, 2007 at 9:49 am
It hasn’t really sunk it yet. But it’s very sad. On the outside we saw John Laugh and joke with us on the Air. But on the inside we didn’t see he was hurting. John, we all miss you and loved you.
April 8th, 2007 at 10:44 am
I am praying that he found peace, he made me laugh with his smile and bright eyes , i always looked forward to his weather report. Im shocked.
April 8th, 2007 at 9:49 pm
Are Bobby and John’s wife the only people who knew? If yes, then who was the anonymous caller? Why were they anonymous? Is it standard procedure for the Dukes of Hazard to just barge into an extremely sensitive situation? Why was not a suicide intervention officer called to call out to John from outside the house?
Rest in peace, John Winter. You are amazing.
April 9th, 2007 at 4:00 pm
I would assume the anonymous caller was likely John himself. That is why it was “anonymous.” He wanted the cops to find him dead, not his own wife or friends hours later. He shot himself just as soon as he knew the cops entered the house.
I knew John. He partied A LOT and I wonder if his use of ecstasy had something to do with his depression. If not the cause, definitely a promoter.
April 9th, 2007 at 5:32 pm
Whether John used ecstasy or not, is no ones business. To postumously out him as a user is in bad taste. Its a great loss for all who enjoyed his presence when he was here.
April 10th, 2007 at 4:26 pm
My thoughts and prayers are with his family. I accidently found this blog after returning from vacation, and am at a total loss of words. I had the pleasure of meeting John at numerous charity events and he always had a smile on his face. Makes you appreciate the life you have, and reflect on your blessings. John Winters will be missed by all of Tampa Bay.
April 10th, 2007 at 4:28 pm
My thoughts and prayers are with his family. I accidently found this blog after returning from vacation, and am at a total loss of words. I had the pleasure of meeting John at numerous charity events and he always had a smile on his face. Makes you appreciate the life you have, and reflect on your blessings. John Winters will be missed by all of Tampa Bay.
Kim S.
April 10th, 2007 at 7:33 pm
There was nothing to “out.” Recreational drug use is not uncommon. Ecstasy use has been linked to depression and possible suicides. I mentioned it out of concern seeking understanding as to what might have influenced John’s depression. It would be bad taste to ignore possible causes.
April 11th, 2007 at 8:30 am
Our hearts are saddened by this loss of life…John was lovable and talented; my teenage son always remarked, “John Winter is my favorite weatherman, you miss him when he’s not there to give the forecast.” We hope that those closest to him and his family will find comfort in loving memories shared here. We will miss him, and continue to pray for the healing, and comfort only God can bring. Mary and Derian
April 11th, 2007 at 6:54 pm
My family and I will miss John tremendously. He was a “ray of sunshine”. I always looked forward to his broadcast—missed him when he was not there and filling in for someone else.
This hurricane season will not be the same—John will not be there with his knowledge and comforting words. I pray for his wife and parents and sisters (knew parents and sisters) and ask God to give them strength and comfort in the days ahead.
April 12th, 2007 at 5:32 pm
I loved John. I knew John. He was so very deep yet so very afraid to reveal himself to just anyone. I feel blessed that he revealed his true self to me. Yes, that poor, beautiful man suffered horribly from depression. No, not many knew. But those of us who did know did our best to lift him up and help him.
He and God had other plans.
I miss him terribly. My heart is in pieces over losing him in this world.
We shall meet again. Of that I’m sure.
I love you, John. More than you ever knew.
April 13th, 2007 at 12:00 pm
Does anybody know why he was talking back and forth to that friend and not his wife? I mean noone ever mentions his wife. Where was she? Did she not know he was in trouble? Seems the man friend did.
April 13th, 2007 at 12:03 pm
Not putting anyone down, it just seems kinda like you have a story with a lot of missing links.
April 14th, 2007 at 8:13 am
Indeed, we knew John from turning on our tv sets or seeking him out and about in the community. Like many I also wonder: where was his wife during all the phone calls to his best friend? Were his wife and best friends the ONLY insiders who knew of his deep depression? Who was the caller that contacted the police whom is only notes as UNKNOWN (was this John himself?). Drugs? I would like to think not, but it seems one person via this blog “knows”. While we ALL want to know the details, the truth it is not our business. Will the news ever cover any of the missing links to the story? We continue to wonder
April 16th, 2007 at 11:32 pm
I worked with John in Harlingen/Brownsville, Texas. I am appalled at the rumors of drug use. If he did use them, I never knew of them. Shame on you for speculating on matters you know something about!
He was a blast to work with. We filled our time with good-natured insults. Everyone who knew John in Texas feels devastated; we have lost a dear friend. He was at my wedding and held my oldest daughter in his arms the day she was born over 14 years ago. We’ll miss you John.
April 27th, 2007 at 8:50 am
I still remember the first time he came out as the weather guy. But I thought I saw him appear on a lifetime movie, very young,(I’d say about 17 yrs. old)the movies title was “The story of three women” I was watchind this movie and this young boy looked just like John but a younger version of him.
April 30th, 2007 at 8:30 am
I had been out of town, and I just found out about John’s death this morning .. it goes without saying how much of a shock this news is .. I still can’t believe it .. it is such a shame to lose such a wise and educated man .. his compassion for animals was very touching, and I think this showed how truly good and sensitive he was .. may you rest in peace, John ..
May 29th, 2007 at 10:20 pm
anything on the wife yet? just days before tis happened, i was watching the news with some friends and John came on. I told my friends that i had a crush on him since i was a little girl! and that i was his future wife! i was always late leaving for the bus because i wanted to see John!
May 30th, 2007 at 1:09 pm
[...] in April, meteorologist John Winter killed himself, and many wanted to know why. According to reports, he was very distraught over an extramarital [...]
July 11th, 2007 at 3:37 am
John was great, he made me laugh in the morning, as with many people. The fill in sometimes, Rod, gave John a hard sometimes, that guy is a complete jerk and rude.
July 18th, 2007 at 3:34 pm
John was THEE best and was a very dear friend of mine. Jeff, you are wrong about Rod. John thought the world of Rod and they were great friends. Rod cried like a baby at John’s funeral.
Oh how I still miss my Johnny….
October 4th, 2007 at 6:05 pm
I just found out this past week about John’s death. I’m truly shocked and hurt over the whole ordeal. He was a joy to talk to! I am honored to have met him and got to know him. He was a super great guy!