Beloved Atlanta local news anchor Amanda Davis died Wednesday after suffering a stroke on the way to her stepfather’s funeral.
The 62-year-old veteran television journalist suffered a stroke Wednesday night at the Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. Though rushed to a local hospital, she died shortly after arriving. Davis was on her way to mourn the death of her stepfather in San Antonio, when the stroke occurred.
Atlanta’s CBS 46 confirmed her death, posting a tribute to the reporter. The station said that she was surrounded by family and friends at the time of her passing.
Davis was a staple in local news for 25 years. She was previously the host of WGCL-TV’s morning news and noon show and was a reporter and anchor for the local Fox affiliate WAGA from 1986 to 2013. Her career included covering Coretta Scott King’s funeral and interviewing President Barack Obama.
Davis’s career garnered 10 Southeast Emmy Awards and an Edward R. Murrow Award.
Davis was also vocal about battling alcoholism following a series of DUI arrests, using her own experiences in an effort to help those going through similar struggles. She spoke candidly in a 2016 interview with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
In it, she claimed difficulties with a past relationship saw her slowly transforming from a “social drinker” to someone with a genuine disorder. About the rehab course she was assigned after a DUI she said, “It felt good,” adding, “I had learned a lot and gotten to the underlying issue for the drinking and my depression, which was the loss of that relationship. I was wallowing in that grief and drinking to feel better.”
Prior to her death, Davis had been grieving the loss of her stepfather and tweeted about mourning and funeral plans.
Thanks to my GF Debbie Turman for the lovely flowers as I️ grieve over the loss of my Pops❤️. His funeral is the 27th pic.twitter.com/TrZT3wxcZA
— Amanda Davis (@AmandaCBS46) December 20, 2017
Davis is survived by her daughter, Hollywood writer Melora Rivera.
Friends, co-workers and fans — including Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed, Daily News writer Shaun King, director Tyler Perry and Georgia Governor Nathan Deal — shared their condolences via Twitter.
Saddened to hear about the sudden passing of Atlanta news icon, Amanda Davis. Our thoughts and prayers are with her loved ones during this difficult time. She will truly be missed.
— Kasim Reed (@KasimReed) December 28, 2017
I was saddened to hear about the passing of Amanda Davis. You were an Atlanta news staple. You will be missed. My prayers and heart are with your loved ones. @cbs46
— Tyler Perry (@tylerperry) December 28, 2017
RIP Amanda Davis. Our dear colleague passed away minutes ago. She was surrounded by her family and friends…. https://t.co/msLgRF3jWH
— Sharon Reed (@SharonReedLive) December 28, 2017
Saddened to hear of the passing of @cbs46 Amanda Davis. Such a beautiful person, inside & out. My thoughts & prayers are w/ her loved ones.
— Keisha Lance Bottoms (@KeishaBottoms) December 28, 2017
Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of our dear friend and colleague Amanda Davis. We celebrate her life and career today on @cbs46. pic.twitter.com/gCqkoEid5h
— Rebekka Schramm (@Rebekka_Schramm) December 28, 2017
What a loss for all of us in the media industry! RIP Amanda Davis. #NABJ #media #blackjournalists #icons https://t.co/X9wHbaSmbI
— Maria Roach (@MariaLRoach) December 28, 2017
May you RIP Amanda Davis #SuchAnInspiration https://t.co/EKNGOBPu0L
— Arva (@Arva_) December 28, 2017
Sandra and I were saddened to hear of the passing of Amanda Davis. Our thoughts and prayers are with her loved ones and her colleagues at @cbs46.
— Former Gov. Nathan Deal (@GovernorDeal) December 28, 2017
