Posted by chicagomedia.org on January 25, 2008 at 11:09:33:
CBS 2 news anchor Randy Salerno died Thursday night in a snowmobiling accident in Wisconsin. He was a passenger on a snowmobile being driven by someone who was speeding and had been drinking, investigators say.
Salerno was snowmobiling with friends in Eagle River, Wis.
Salerno, 45, of northwest suburban Crystal Lake, was a passenger on a snowmobile when the driver lost control and struck several trees, according to a release from the Vilas County Sheriff’s office in Wisconsin.
The accident happened about 11:30 p.m. on trail 15 in the Township of Plum Lake and Salerno was pronounced dead on the scene, according to the release.
The driver, Scott Hirschey, in his 40s, also of Crystal Lake, has been cited for operating a snowmobile while intoxicated and charges of homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle are pending, according to Vilas County Sheriff's Department Chief Deputy Joe Fath.
Hirschey was taken to an area hospital but his condition was not available.
Station manager Joe Ahern said it was with deep sadness and regret to inform viewers of Salerno's passing.
"Randy was a talented news anchor and a major reason for our recent morning show success," Ahern said in a statement. "But it was Randy's sense of humor and quick wit that separated him from the rest. He was a skilled journalist, trusted colleague and dear friend to many in our newsroom--especially to our morning team."
Salerno, a Crystal Lake native, has been at WBBM-TV since September 2004. Before that, he worked at WGN-TV from 1993-2004, anchoring the station's midday broadcast and serving as a general assignment reporter.
Salerno won a local Emmy Award for his work on WBBM-TV's 2004 broadcast of the LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon.
He is survived by his wife, Irene, and three children.