Meteorologist Hollie Strano ‘fired’ from TV station a week after she shared a post about her ‘recovery journey’

A BELOVED meteorologist who was arrested for driving while under the influence last year has been fired from her post after opening up about her recovery journey.

Hollie Strano , who was arrested on Thanksgiving after drunkenly slamming her vehicle into a utility pole and fire hydrant, announced she was terminated from her job at NBC affiliate WKYC.

Instagram/holliestrano

Cuyahoga Falls Police Department

WKYC

Cuyahoga Falls Police Department

Strano , who has been at the network for over two decades, believes WKYC and its media service Tegna fired her for publicly sharing her sobriety journey on social media .

“I am sad to share that after 22 plus years of dedicated work, WKYC and Tegna decided to terminate my employment after I shared my recovery journey publicly,” Strano said.

“I believe the actions of WKYC and Tegna demonstrate the stigma surrounding addiction.

“I have been honest and authentic about my journey, and I will continue to do so… For me, but also for you and everyone who is struggling in silence for fear of this type of conduct by your own employers.

“I’m continuing to prioritize my sobriety and health, and I am also so grateful for the outpouring of love and support from so many of you throughout this journey.

“Thank you for welcoming me into your home for all of these years. It’s been the privilege of a lifetime.”

The U.S. Sun has reached out to WKYC and Tegna for comment.

Strano has been open on social media about her sobriety, celebrating monthly milestones.

On August 22, Strano posted, “I’m happy to announce I am 9 months sober!”

She also shared a post in July to celebrate her eighth month of sobriety.

REMORSEFUL INCIDENT

Strano, who pleaded guilty to a charge of operating a vehicle impaired, was involved in a single head-on collision last November in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio , about five miles north of Akron.

Cuyahoga Falls police dashcam footage showed the moment Strano lost control of her SUV and skidded off the road.

As police pursued Strano, who was going 40 mph over the speed limit, they noticed she could not maintain her vehicle on the road, weaving in and out of the center lane.

Seconds later, Strano’s car goes off the road and strikes a utility pole and fire hydrant.

I believe that had to happen to me to put me on this healing journey of sobriety and introspection.

Hollie Strano

Cuyahoga Falls police officers said when they reached Strano’s vehicle, the TV meteorologist smelled of alcohol .

Strano, who emerged from the wreckage unharmed, had a blood alcohol content level three times the legal limit, police said.

She was immediately taken off the air after her arrest, although she was reinstated nearly three months later.

In her first public statement after the incident, Strano expressed regret and said the arrest put her on a path toward healing and sobriety.

“I am deeply remorseful for what happened the evening of November 23, 2023,” she wrote in an Instagram post.

“As tragic as it was and as cliche as it may sound, I believe that had to happen to me to put me on this healing journey of sobriety and introspection.”

Strano’s license was suspended for a year, and she was ordered to participate in a six-day driver intervention program.

She was also fined $375 plus court fees.

If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) at 1-800-662-HELP (4357)

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Instagram/holliestrano