Meteorologist Hollie Strano slammed into a utility pole and fire hydrant while going 40 mph over the speed limit Cuyahoga Falls Police Department The crash caused an explosion and sparks from the electrical wires Cuyahoga Falls Police Department Strano was arrested after driving under the influence in November 2023 Cuyahoga Falls Police Department
Her termination comes after her DUI arrest in November 2023.
On Thanksgiving of that year, dashcam footage from Cuyahoga Falls Police — about five miles north of Akron, Ohio — showed the moment Strano lost control of her car and swerved off the road.
Police were following her SUV at the time and said she was driving 40 miles over the speed limit.
As cops were behind her, they noticed Strano struggled to keep her car on the road, weaving between lanes.
In a matter of seconds, her car flew off the right side of the road and slammed into a utility pole and fire hydrant.
The crash triggered a small explosion as sparks were seen coming from wires connected to the pole.
Strano escaped the wreck unharmed but had a blood alcohol content level of three times the legal limit, police said.
Along with the charge, the mom of two was fined $375 plus additional court fees.
Her license was suspended for a year and she was ordered to do a six-day driver intervention program.
After her arrest in November, Strano was immediately taken off the air but she returned three months later.
She said the crash “had to happen to me to put me on this healing journey of sobriety and introspection.”
In January, the meteorologist said she had been “living in denial” about her drinking issues.
Hollie Strano statement about being fired
Meterologist Hollie Strano was fired from NBC affiliate WKYC after posting about her recovery journey on social media.
“I am sad to share that after 22 plus years of dedicated work, WKYC and Tegna decided to terminate my employment after I shared my recovery journey publicly,” Strano said.
“I believe the actions of WKYC and Tegna demonstrate the stigma surrounding addiction.
“I have been honest and authentic about my journey, and I will continue to do so… For me, but also for you and everyone who is struggling in silence for fear of this type of conduct by your own employers.
“I’m continuing to prioritize my sobriety and health, and I am also so grateful for the outpouring of love and support from so many of you throughout this journey.
“Thank you for welcoming me into your home for all of these years. It’s been the privilege of a lifetime.”
She also posted about milestones such as a post from August 22 that read, “I’m happy to announce I am 9 months sober!”
‘PRIVILEGE OF A LIFETIME’
On Monday, Strano posted on Instagram to tell her followers she had been fired from WKYC.
“I am sad to share that after 22 plus years of dedicated work, WKYC and Tegna decided to terminate my employment after I shared my recovery journey publicly,” Strano wrote.
“I believe the actions of WKYC and Tegna demonstrate the stigma surrounding addiction.
“I have been honest and authentic about my journey, and I will continue to do so… For me, but also for you and everyone who is struggling in silence for fear of this type of conduct by your own employers.
Strano went on to say that she will continue to prioritize her sobriety and health.
“I am also so grateful for the outpouring of love and support from so many of you throughout this journey,” she said.
“Thank you for welcoming me into your home for all of these years. It’s been the privilege of a lifetime.”
Strano was a meteorologist for the station as well as a host on the WKYC Channel 3 News “GO” morning show and the host of “It’s About You.”
The U.S. Sun reached out to WKYC and Tegna for comment but didn’t immediately hear back.
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) at 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
Strano speaking about the weather while working as a meteorologist on NBC affiliate WKYC WKYC A large hole with exposed pipes after Strano crashed into a utility pole and fire hydrant Facebook/Towpath Tennis Center Strano smiling outside in the fall Instagram/holliestrano
Get updates delivered to you daily. Free and customizable.
It’s essential to note our commitment to transparency:
Our Terms of Use acknowledge that our services may not always be error-free, and our Community Standards emphasize our discretion in enforcing policies. As a platform hosting over 100,000 pieces of content published daily, we cannot pre-vet content, but we strive to foster a dynamic environment for free expression and robust discourse through safety guardrails of human and AI moderation.
Local Cuyahoga Falls, OH
Most Popular
Comments / 0