Jamie Simpson, chief meteorologist at Dayton CBS affiliate WHIO, has resigned his position and plans to take a sabbatical from TV news.
In November 2014, Simpson was hospitalized and charged with OVI (operating a vehicle impaired) when his car went through an intersection, crashed through a fence and struck a tree. He pleaded guilty to OVI on Jan. 20 in Xenia Municipal Court.
“After much thought I’ve decided that this is a good time to focus on myself and on my family,” Simpson said in a release. “I’m grateful for the support of WHIO, and all of the Channel 7 viewers, for their outreach. I’m now looking forward to the next chapter in my life.”
“It’s been an honor to work directly with Jamie for nearly a decade of his 15 years here at WHIO-TV,” said David Bennallack, senior managing director of content at Cox Media Group Ohio. “While viewers saw his work on-air, I was privileged to see his dedication behind the scenes – working in the Storm Center overnights, on weekends or whenever threatening weather approached.”
WHIO is currently searching for Simpson’s replacement.