WBBM radio anchor dies in Indiana crash
A WBBM Newsradio anchor died Sunday morning in a single- vehicle crash on Interstate 65 in Merrillville, Indiana.
David L. Mitchell, 60, was at the wheel of a 2008 Cadillac CTS in the right lane of southbound I- 65 near 61st Street at 8: 40 a. m. when the vehicle veered off to the left and crashed into a concrete median, according to Indiana State Police. There were no signs of the vehicle braking.
Mitchell was taken to South Lake Methodist Hospital in Merrillville, where he was pronounced dead at 9: 47 a. m., according to the Lake County coroner’s office.
Investigators think Mitchell might have had a medical incident before the crash, police said. An autopsy Sunday found he suffered blunt force trauma from the crash.
Mitchell had worked for WBBM since 1992 as a traffic reporter, anchor and a weekend sports reporter. He started his Chicago broadcasting career in 1973, according to the radio station.
“Dave Mitchell was a bright, thoughtful and eager veteran journalist; a consummate professional. He was one of the good guys, dedicated to his craft whether in studio or overlooking the Chicago Air and Water Show where he thrived. We loved him, and will miss him greatly. Our thoughts are with his wife and his children,” said WBBM Newsradio Managing Editor Julie Mann in an article on the WBBM/ CBS Chicago website.
Mitchell’s last reported address was in the 1400 block of North Dearborn in Chicago, but police said he was living in Lowell, Indiana.