CNN’s Anderson Cooper Hit by Debris While Reporting on Hurricane Milton: ‘I Am Very Concerned for His Safety’

On the evening of Wednesday, October 9, 2024, Anderson Cooper was live on air as Hurricane Milton, a strong category-3 storm, hit Florida’s coast. In Bradenton, a town near Tampa, he was showing the damage when debris flew and struck him. This moment quickly made fans worry about his safety.

As the hurricane continued, Cooper talked about the situation, saying, “At the water now, and it’s really starting to pour over,” while huge waves and strong winds hit the area.

Suddenly, something hit his face, making him say, “Woah, OK, that wasn’t good,” before mentioning he would go indoors soon.

People watching the live report quickly shared their fears on social media. Some asked CNN to remove their reporters from danger. One worried fan wrote, “I am very concerned for his safety!” Others reminded Cooper of his duties, pointing out he has children to think about.

He wasn’t the only journalist facing the harsh weather of Hurricane Milton. Bill Weir, reporting from St. Petersburg, dealt with heavy rain and strong winds that blew off his hat. Similarly, Jim Cantore from The Weather Channel was hit by a flying tree branch while reporting on a street.

The powerful winds almost blew him away, but he held onto a post before moving aside so viewers could see the storm.

During the chaos, St. Petersburg residents like Makenna Caskey and her aunt narrowly avoided danger when a crane fell on a building across from their apartment. Caskey shared her relief, mentioning how close the crane came to causing a worse outcome.

Sadly, the storm also caused tragic events. A tornado tore through a mobile home retirement area in St. Lucie County, leading to deaths. T

he exact number of victims is still unknown, but Sheriff Keith Pearson said there were several casualties. Search and rescue teams are working to find those trapped in the wreckage, as hundreds of homes have been destroyed in the area.

Anderson Cooper’s commitment to reporting from the front lines, even in the most dangerous times, shows his dedication to capturing the human side during crises. He has always stressed the need to stay connected to the destruction and loss around journalists in these events.

His past experiences, like reporting from Rwanda, taught him to keep an emotional bond with the stories he covers, making sure he views people as individuals, not just part of a larger tragedy.

Cooper’s way of journalism has influenced many, including young aspiring reporters. His honesty and kindness have motivated students like Neda Langroodi, who admired his effort to honor those who died. For others, such as nursing student Sasha Meraj, Cooper’s thoughts during events like “An Evening with Anderson Cooper” remind them to care for people worldwide.

As an experienced journalist, Cooper advises future reporters to deeply engage with the stories they cover and to handle every assignment with curiosity and empathy. He encourages students to keep learning and to face challenges eagerly. For Cooper, reporting never seems like work; it’s a passion that lets him connect with people and share their stories with the world.