Leon Harris is taking a break from the anchor desk at NBC4 Washington due to health concerns.
The former CNN anchor was live on air during a Thanksgiving, Nov. 28 broadcast, when he began struggling to pronounce words, missing the end of sentences, and slurring words.
Harris was immediately taken off the news desk as concerned viewers began contacting the station.
Shortly after the incident, meteorologist Ryan Miller addressed the audience.
“We’ve heard a lot from some of you through phone and email during this newscast,” said Miller on air. “We want to assure you that our colleague, Leon Harris, is fine. The News4 team appreciates your concern.”
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A few days after the broadcast, NBC4 released a statement on Dec. 2 about situation, noting that Harris will be “focusing on health issues” while he’s away from the station.
“Last week, Leon appeared unwell while anchoring News4 at 6. Leon will be stepping away from the anchor desk to focus on health issues,” the station said. “We here at NBC4 — and you at home — care deeply about Leon and wish him well. We thank you for your concern.”
It’s unknown what health issues the Emmy-winning TV news veteran is currently dealing with, but in the past, he has battled with alcohol addiction and in 2013 was diagnosed with a life-threatening disease known as necrotizing pancreatitis — where the pancreatitis inflammation is so severe that it causes tissue death, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Also, this past September, Harris had to step away from the news desk to recover from surgery after breaking his foot during a fall at his home.
Harris has been with WRC-TV since 2017, after 13 years at the local ABC affiliate WJLA, and before that he anchored at CNN.
