News anchor heartbreakingly announces ALS diagnosis, retires on live TV

Last summer, ABC11 news anchor Larry Stogner participated in the ALS ice bucket challenge.

“Little did I know it was about to change my life,” he said.

On January 23, Stogner told his faithful Eyewitness News viewers that he had been diagnosed with the incurable neurological disease.

"I am sure that in recent months, you’ve noticed a change in my voice, my speech [is] slower," he said. “Many of you were kind enough to email me ideas about what it might be, or just to show concern, and I truly appreciate that.”

"As it turns out, I have ALS, Lou Gehrig’s Disease.”

Holding back tears, Stogner thanked his viewers for his decades-long career, and revealed that the diagnosis also meant he would be retiring immediately after 38 years on the job.

“There is no cure. My career in broadcast journalism is coming to an end.”

He said he would be taking some vacation time with his wife, Bobbi, then returning on-air in two weeks to offer a more personal goodbye.

Stogner’s friends and colleagues at ABC11 learned of his diagnosis only hours before the broadcast.

“Larry is the dean of our Eyewitness newsroom and the patriarch of the ABC11 family,” Caroline Welch, president and general manager of WTVD, said in a prepared statement. “While we are rocked by this news, our full love and support go to Larry and his family as he fights against this disease.”

Stogner concluded his announcement with his signature sendoff:

"And now more than ever, I say to you, for all those 39 years: Thanks for the company. Have a good night."