For 11 years, Little Rock residents have relied on KARK 4 News chief meteorologist Keith Monahan for all their weather updates. However, they became very concerned when seeing him experiencing a medical emergency on live television on March 9, 2023, during the 5:00 p.m. newscast. Naturally, viewers wondered what happened to KARK’s Keith Monahan and started praying for him. Although he returned to the newscast a few days ago, Monahan recently announced his departure. Here’s what the meteorologist had to say about his exit from KARK 4 News.
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. The meteorologist 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. But his co-anchor, Laura Monteverdi, 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 onto the desk. He is doing okay.”
The broadcast quickly cut to a commercial, and when it resumed, a stand-in showed up for the next newscast. Naturally, viewers became concerned and wanted to know what happened at KARK to Keith Monahan.
After undergoing a few tests, Monahan shared an update on his health on March 10, 2023. The meteorologist stated he had a minor stroke during the live broadcast.
On March 20, 2023, a well-rested Monahan returned to the newscast and shared that he was doing well after the severe incident. Moreover, he advised viewers to take care of their health and visit the doctor immediately if they feel something is wrong.
Keith Monahan to Leave KARK
After nearly 10 days following his stroke, Keith Monahan returned to the green screen, and everyone was thrilled to see him. However, the meteorologist announced his retirement in a social media post on March 28, 2023. And his last day on the broadcast is April 5, 2023.
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According to the veteran meteorologist, he planned his retirement several months ago. He also thanked everyone for the well wishes over the past couple of weeks during that tough time in his life.