In a somber turn of events, the world of journalism and broadcasting is mourning the loss of one of its bright stars, Matt Napolitano, a beloved 33-year-old anchor and reporter for Fox News Radio. Napolitano’s journey was tragically cut short on Saturday, following a brief illness that left a void in the hearts of many who admired his dedication and passion for the truth.
Napolitano, who had the privilege of realizing his dream by gracing the iconic stage of “Jeopardy!” and later spinning the wheel on “Wheel of Fortune,” had endeared himself to audiences across the nation. His radiant smile and unrelenting commitment to delivering the news left an indelible mark on the industry.
The heartbreaking news was shared by Napolitano’s husband, Ricky Whitcomb, who penned a heartfelt message on social media: “With a heavy heart, I have to share that my husband @MattNapolitano passed away yesterday morning.” Whitcomb, overwhelmed with grief, continued, “He loved his job and he loved bringing the news to your radios and televisions.”
With a heavy heart I have to share that my husband @MattNapolitano passed away yesterday morning. He loved his job and he loved bringing the news to your radios and televisions. An honest journalist who truly cared about facts. You can thank him for the last minute Jets win today pic.twitter.com/I4fszUMAeh
— ricky (@whickywhit) December 25, 2023
Napolitano was more than just an anchor; he was an unwavering advocate for facts and integrity in journalism. Whitcomb fondly remarked, “Napolitano was an honest journalist who truly cared about facts. You can thank him for the last-minute Jets win today.” His dedication to his craft was not just a job; it was a calling, evident in every word he spoke on air.
Joining the Fox News family in 2015, Napolitano’s journey began as a writer for the SiriusXM channel “Fox News Headlines 24/7.” His talent soon shone brighter, and he took on roles as a sports reporter and contributor for Fox Business, including Neil Cavuto’s “Cavuto Coast to Coast.” Napolitano’s versatility and commitment to storytelling endeared him to both colleagues and viewers alike.
Suzanne Scott, CEO of Fox News, paid tribute to Napolitano, highlighting his diverse contributions to the network. In a heartfelt memo to staff, Scott noted, “Matt did everything from anchoring to writing and producing for our audio platforms and loved being able to work in the journalism field that he trained for his entire life.”
Beyond his journalism career, Napolitano was an avid “Jeopardy!” fan, and in 2020, he fulfilled a lifelong dream by appearing as a contestant on the show. His intellect and quick thinking captivated audiences as he showcased his knowledge on the iconic quiz program. In 2016, he also tested his luck on “Wheel of Fortune,” advancing to the coveted bonus round.
However, Napolitano’s passing wasn’t the only heavy blow that Fox News endured. The network also grieved the loss of Adam Petlin, the director of operations at its Chicago bureau. A true leader in his own right, Petlin led the first Fox News camera crew on the scene of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. He passed away on Saturday after battling a long illness, leaving behind a legacy of professionalism and dedication.
Suzanne Scott expressed her condolences, saying, “Petlin was a natural leader, highly regarded by numerous correspondents and anchors who were fortunate enough to have been on location with him on nearly every major news story of the last 27 years.”
In this time of profound loss, the world of journalism and broadcasting stands together to honor the memory of Matt Napolitano and Adam Petlin, two remarkable individuals who contributed their talents to shaping the way we understand and report the news. Their legacies will continue to inspire future generations of journalists as they strive for truth, integrity, and unwavering dedication to their craft.