For the past 11 years, Little Rock residents have relied on chief meteorologist Keith Monahan for all their weather updates. So they were naturally worried when he suddenly looked to be experiencing a medical emergency on live television on March 9, 2023, during the 5:00 p.m. newscast. Now they’re wondering what happened to KARK’s Keith Monahan and are praying for him. We’ve compiled the most recent information we have about the incident here.
Keith Monahan’s Education and Career
Keith Monahan has always wanted to become a TV meteorologist. His interest grew when a big storm hit the East Coast, and his family experienced a flood in Pennsylvania.
However, he took a long route and studied international relations and affairs at the United States Air Force Academy until 1984. Captain Monahan was a Commanding Counterintelligence Officer and Commander of Investigative units by the end of his service.
In 1995, Monahan earned a degree in atmospheric sciences and meteorology from the University of Northern Colorado. He began his meteorological career that same year, becoming a chief meteorologist at KGWN-TV. He then worked with WOOD-TV in Grand Rapids, Michigan; KDLT-TV in Sioux Falls, South Dakota; and KIAH-TV in Houston, Texas.
Monahan joined KARK-TV in October 2011 and is now the leader of the Arkansas Storm Team. He is a member of the weeknight news team that broadcasts at 5:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m., and 10:00 p.m. Moreover, his KARK 4 News weather crew was recently recognized as the most accurate in central Arkansas for the 11th consecutive year.
Keith Monahan’s Health Update
On March 9, 2023, at 5:00 p.m., when Monahan was broadcasting weather updates live, he suddenly looked to have a medical emergency. Viewers noticed that he stumbled over some of his sentences during the weather report.
After experiencing uneasiness, he moved out of the screen, and a sound was heard. However, his co-anchor, Laura Monteverdi, has confirmed that he did not collapse.
Replying to a Twitter user, Monteverdi further said, “He did not collapse. I was on air with him. That is the sound of his mic falling on to the desk. He is doing okay.”
The broadcast was quickly cut to a commercial, and when it resumed, a stand-in showed up for the next newscast. Naturally, viewers became concerned and want to know what happened at KARK to Keith Monahan.
As of this writing, he is at the hospital getting a battery of tests to know the reason behind his condition.
Meteorologist Hayden Nix has given an update on Monahan’s health and said, “Just got an update-he is doing well and is being well taken care of. Pray that he continues to get good reports!”
Also Read: What Happened to WTAE-TV’s News Anchor Kristen Powers?
Meanwhile, Monteverdi has asked people not to panic and said, “I just don’t want people to panic because he did not collapse. He was feeling out of sorts and we took him to be checked out! We appreciate the concern— so many people have called to check on him! It means a lot!”
Latest Update: After undergoing a few tests, Monahan shared an update on his health on March 10, 2023. He had a minor stroke during the broadcast, but now he is doing well. He further said on Facebook, “Yesterday around 5:00 pm, I clearly had an episode on the air during my weathercast. It was a bit scary, so I decided to go to the ER and get checked out. After testing, the doctors discovered I had a minor stroke. I was able to get the proper stroke meds and was admitted to the hospital. My main symptoms were some confusion and difficulty with speech. Physically, I am fine just tired. I have more tests today and should be released tomorrow.”