KFOR's Brad Edwards dies at 58

Journal Record, The (Oklahoma City), May 16, 2006 by Jerry Shottenkirk

Longtime KFOR-DT-TV reporter Brad Edwards died Monday after being in a coma for six days.

Edwards, who was 58, suffered a brain aneurysm last Tuesday.

Services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 1901 NW 18th St. A public viewing will be today from noon to 3 p.m. and from 6 to 9 p.m. at Smith and Kernke Funeral Home, 1401 NW 23rd St.

Edwards began his local career in 1973 at the station, which was known as WKY-TV. He started as a street reporter and photographer and began the long-running segment In Your Corner in 1981. He reported on consumer advocacy issues, reports of questionable business practices and government issues.

We are deeply saddened over the loss of our dear friend and colleague, Tim Morrissey, station president and general manager, said in a statement. Brad's caring and dedication touched thousands of people throughout Oklahoma. He will always be known as a beacon of quality journalism who was truly in everyone's corner.

KFOR anchor and longtime friend Linda Cavanaugh said Edwards will be sorely missed.

Brad had the softest heart, and because his family had been taken advantage of when he was a boy, Brad felt compelled to help those who had nowhere else to turn, Cavanaugh said in a statement.

Edwards, a native of Pennsylvania, earned a degree in political science, international relations and social sciences from Indiana University in Indiana, Pa.

Edwards was honored in March with the 2005 Oklahoma Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame Award for excellence in radio and television broadcasting.

In addition to the In Your Corner segment, Edwards also led the Warmth for Winter campaign, a partnership between the station, the Salvation Army and metro dry cleaners to collect coats for the needy.

Edwards served in the U.S. Air Force and was a military news broadcaster at air bases in Southeast Asia. He received an Air Force Commendation Medal and was an honor graduate of the Department of Defense School of Information. He was the youngest enlisted news director of a military news network, station officials said.

He is survived by wife, Mary Ann, and daughter, Ashton.