One Week After Joining KOMO, Weekend Anchor Joel Connable Dies at 39

By Merrill Knox 

KOMO weekend anchor Joel Connable died Monday from complications of diabetes. He was 39.

Connable joined the Seattle ABC affiliate last week. The station announced his death on Wednesday evening’s 6 p.m. newscast.

“He suffered from diabetes and we’re told likely died from a seizure,” anchor Dan Lewis said. “Joel had an impressive career in broadcasting at stations all over the country. We regret that our KOMO viewers will not get the chance to get to know Joel Connable.”

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Connable was just getting back to the television business after a three-year break. He was fired from WTVJ in Miami in 2009 for allegedly violating the NBC O&O’s policy on accepting free gifts. At the time of his death, Connable had a lawsuit pending against the station.

“It’s heartbreaking,” news director Holly Gauntt told Miami gossip columnist Jose Lambiet. “He was ecstatic to be here and to be back in the business. He was already fitting in well. He would have succeeded here, of that I am sure. The staff is in shock.”

Connable is the second KOMO anchor to die this year. Kathi Goertzen passed away in August after an extended battle with brain tumors.

KOMO has yet to respond to TVSpy’s request for comment.

>Update: News director Holly Gauntt shares her thoughts on Connable’s death with TVSpy here.

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