Hollie Strano WKYC meteorologist fired after sharing sobriety journey following DUI crash in Ohio last Thanksgiving as axed TV meteorologist insists she will continue to share her recovery journey.
A beloved TV meteorologist previously arrested for driving while under the influence last year has been fired from her slot after opening up about her recovery journey.
Hollie Strano, who was arrested on Thanksgiving in Ohio after drunkenly slamming her vehicle into a utility pole and fire hydrant, announced over the weekend she was terminated from her job at NBC affiliate WKYC.
Strano, following her arrest, pleaded guilty to a charge of operating a vehicle impaired. At the time of the crash her driving license was suspended for a year, along with being ordered to participate in a six-day driver intervention program.
Stigma surrounding addiction or corporate employer protecting brand image?
She was also fined $375 plus court fees.
Strano, who has been at the network for over two decades, believes WKYC and its media service Tegna fired her for publicly sharing her sobriety journey on social media.
‘I am sad to share that after 22 plus years of dedicated work, WKYC and Tegna decided to terminate my employment after I shared my recovery journey publicly,’ Strano shared.
‘I believe the actions of WKYC and Tegna demonstrate the stigma surrounding addiction.
‘I have been honest and authentic about my journey, and I will continue to do so… For me, but also for you and everyone who is struggling in silence for fear of this type of conduct by your own employers.
‘I’m continuing to prioritize my sobriety and health, and I am also so grateful for the outpouring of love and support from so many of you throughout this journey.
‘Thank you for welcoming me into your home for all of these years. It’s been the privilege of a lifetime.’
Strano vowed to ‘continue prioritizing [her] sobriety and health.’
Strano has been open on social media about her sobriety, celebrating monthly milestones.
On August 22, Strano posted, ‘I’m happy to announce I am 9 months sober!’
The WKYC meteorologist also shared a post in July to celebrate her eighth month of sobriety.
Strano, who pleaded guilty to a charge of operating a vehicle impaired, was involved in a single head-on collision last November in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, about five miles north of Akron.
Blood alcohol limit 3 times the legal limit after police chase
Cuyahoga Falls police dashcam footage showed the moment Strano lost control of her SUV and skidded off the road.
As police pursued Strano, who was going 40 mph over the speed limit, they noticed she could not maintain her vehicle on the road, weaving in and out of the center lane.
Seconds later, Strano’s car went off the road and struck a utility pole and fire hydrant.
Cuyahoga Falls police officers said when they reached Strano’s vehicle, the TV meteorologist smelled of alcohol.
Strano, who emerged from the wreckage unharmed, had a blood alcohol content level three times the legal limit, police said.
She was immediately taken off the air after her arrest, before being reinstated nearly three months later.
Road to redemption …. but what lies next?
In her first public statement after the incident, Strano expressed regret and said the arrest put her on a path toward healing and sobriety.
‘I am deeply remorseful for what happened the evening of November 23, 2023,’ she wrote in an Instagram post.
‘As tragic as it was and as cliche as it may sound, I believe that had to happen to me to put me on this healing journey of sobriety and introspection.’
Following the meteorologist’s axing, commentators have suggested she should pivot her career into social media influencing, while others have assured her she’ll be snapped up by a rival network. It remained unclear what offers were in the making.
