(LEX 18) — Former WTVQ chief meteorologist Jason Myers was killed Tuesday in a news helicopter crash in North Carolina.
Myers, along with WBTV helicopter pilot Chip Tayag, were flying along I-77 in Charlotte when their Robinson R-44 crashed along the side of the interstate. Both were killed. No one else was injured.
Myers served as the chief meteorologist at Lexington's WTVQ from 2013 to 2019. Anchor Doug High remembers when Myers was first brought on to the team.
"As soon as he hit the door, the newsroom was a better place," High said. "He genuinely cared about you. Every time he hit the door, 'How are you doing? How's your family?' and it was sincere. He meant it. You just left every encounter with him feeling just a little bit better,"
High said Myers took that role of chief meteorologist seriously.
"He truly cared about making sure that folks were safe and that they were up to date and up to speed on what was happening, weather-wise. He also took really good care of the department. He took good care of his people," High said.
Those who worked alongside him in the newsroom talked about his perpetual good attitude.
"It's a loss for every community he was ever in," said Alex Risen, former WTVQ sports director.
Risen and Myers grew to be close friends.
"He was at my wedding," Risen said. "To think that they're not going to get to share in those moments anymore…he's not going to get to see his kids at their weddings. That's pretty tough."
They will remember Myers for his positivity and his dedication to his family. Myers was married with four children.
"Just an amazing Dad, a fantastic husband. I can only imagine what Jillian and his kids are going through," Risen said.
"The only thing that gives me any peace is knowing what a spiritual man Jason was. His father was a minister. I know he had a very deep personal connection with his creator. That gives me some comfort," High said.
They say Myers' impact will be felt on every community he touched.
"His memory's going to live on a long time and I know everybody who ever interacted with him is going to make sure that that happens," Risen said.
The NTSB and FAA are investigating the cause of the crash.
A GoFundMe has been set up for Myers' family. Click here if you'd like to donate.
