Today I was on live on set at the end of our WGN News at 5 p.m. As soon as the cameras shut off, we knew something was wrong. Our team of producers was in the studio, waiting to deliver some awful news.
The couple found dead in Calumet City were the parents of CLTV's Garrard McClendon, host of "Garrard McClendon Live," and a blogger on this Chicago Now site.
My heart aches for Garrard, one of the most positive, encouraging forces in my world. I couldn't imagine this happening to anybody, but it happening to Garrard is unfathomable. I am at a loss for words at the moment.
Tonight I will be praying for Garrard, his family, and for all of those affected by this tragedy. It struck me that almost everyday in this city, somebody is getting news like this. I feel sick. I feel angry. And I am so incredibly sad for my friend.
Garrard closes every show by telling his audience to "always be encouraged." At this moment, I encourage all of you to log onto Garrard's blog here and give him the encouragement he will need in this trying time.
Tonight's WGN News at 9 p.m. will have much more on this developing story, as will Sean Lewis and the CLTV Evening Edition.
22 Comments
Mick Swasko said:
I think I've only met Garrard twice, and each time he was probably the kindest, most enthusiastic person in the room. This is an amazingly unfortunate thing to hear.
cubbiejulie said:
I've never met Garrard, but I've been a fan of his CLTV show for some time. My thoughts are with him and his family tonight.
Message from Montie said:
It took me a minute to connect the name to the face when I heard the news earlier today. I sent my condolences via email. That's so messed up.
MacNutall said:
Garrard & Theo, please know that our prayers and our hearts go out to you and your family at this time. May you find strength in the Lord! McKinley & Phyllis Nutall
Fernando Diaz said:
My thoughts and prayers are with you Garrard. You're always there for us, keeping politicians accountable, saying what we all think and are feeling, asking questions we're too afraid to pose.
Today you need us, and we're here for you.
Garrard, please let us know if there is anything we can do for you. Until then, we'll keep praying for you and yours.
ErnestWilkins said:
My condolences go out to Garrard McClendon and his whole family. I cannot even fathom the loss. I'm praying for you and your entire family.
JelayneK said:
Prayers are with Gerard and his extended family. As a matter of repect for elders in the village, this was not suposed to happen. Our inhumanity in relating to each other is heartbreaking.
Willie M. said:
God Speed. We Love and Pray with/for you and yours.
Prov. 3:5
Cynthia Washington said:
Garrard I will keep you and your family lifted up in prayer.
Alexis Brown said:
Garrard, I am keeping you and your family in prayer. I feel as if you are a member of my own family and my heart truly goes out to you and yours.
Kye Martin said:
Marcus, just as you said in your original post, Garrard is truly one of the most positive, supportive, and energetic forces in the entire WGN/CLTV newsroom. Ready with a smile, a joke, and encouragement for everyone, the thought that such a tragedy would happen to him seems like a sick cosmic joke. Of course, no one would wish a violent crime like this on anybody's loved ones, but for someone who's been a tireless advocate for peace in Chicagoland, I just can't believe this story. Garrard, my prayers are with you and your entire family.
ms4tunate said:
In my opinion, there has always seemed to be a strong connection between you and the black community. I imagined that your parents have had a huge hand in raising you to be the man that you have become and to not let what holds so many of us back, not even postpone you. I am sickened and saddened all at once. I pray that the heartless villains are captured and justly punished. You were and always will be a shining light in your parents eyes. My prayers are with you and your entire family. This is a quote for you. "Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will" Mahatma Ghandi.
You sir, are an embodiment of strength.
aa9gg said:
Our prayers are with you Mr. McClendon and your family.
Meli said:
So sorry this happened to your family. Really sad.
Synthia Rose said:
I agree with Commuter Chick's view that this seems like a "sick cosmic joke." The matching of this persona/this soul with this tragedy is unthinkable.
Mary James said:
Prayers, patience and trust that the Police will find these human beings that could do such a thing to any ones grandparents or parent. I feel the pain as if they were my own parents. I can not understand what is going on within our society.
casey said:
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Karen said:
I had a friend called me any told me to turn on the CLTV, I responded, Yeah its time to watch my man Garrard McCleandon! In her response, she said something tragic has happened! When she told me what happened, I was in shock, this is a horrible situation, and who could do such a horrific thing to a lovely couple. My prayers will forever be with his family.
Pheal5 said:
Racine and I are praying for you and your family. Be strong, be encouraged and hold on to what the Lord has deposited in you. If you need anything at all, please let us know. God bless you and we will keep checking on you all.
Racine & Cheryl
NITA said:
GARROD, I am praying for you and your family. When I received the news from the West family I was crushed. I was one of your teenage friends that lived in Gary. If there is anything I can do for you just say it and it will be done. God bless you and sending love and prayers from San Antonio.
Nita
Sconiers said:
•Although it's difficult today to see beyond the sorrow, May looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow.
LChapman said:
Dear Garrard McClendon Family
Isa. 25:8, 9: “He will actually swallow up death forever, and the Sovereign Lord Jehovah will certainly wipe the tears from all faces. . . ”
Ps. 37:10, 11: “Just a little while longer and the wicked one will be no more; and you will certainly give attention to his place, and he will not be. But the meek ones themselves will possess the earth, and they will indeed find their exquisite delight in the abundance of peace.”
Be strong and have faith
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