Dave Rexroth, the chief meteorologist at Detroit ABC affiliate WXYZ, has a family tradition of lighting fireworks on the Fourth of July. This summer, being careful to keep the kids away, one of the fireworks exploded directly in front of his face. Rexroth tells the Detroit Free Press he knew immediately it was bad. “Oh no, you have just done something to destroy your family.”
Rexroth was badly injured, and ultimately lost his eye. He feared he might lose his career as well, but has returned to work with his sense of humor still fully operational:
“This is my new eye,” he said, pointing to the left side of his face. “I’ve had it for a week now. I’m still trying to figure out how to use it. … I’m telling you all this stuff because I don’t want you to be uncomfortable. I’ve come to grips with it. It’s been difficult at times, but most of the time, it’s been really, really nice to know that people care.”
AdvertisementHis voice cracked, and he wiped his forehead.
“So,” he said, slapping his hands, pausing to set up the punch line. “Sorry. I’m crying my eyes out.”