The announcement came after Stogner was diagnosed with amyotropic lateral sclerosis (ALS), more commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
Stogner announced the diagnosis in a pre-recorded message that aired during the station’s evening newscast last week.
“For nearly four decades, I have met you right here, usually at six,” a solemn Stogner said. “Boy we’ve seen a lot of change over those years. But we have to stop meeting this way.”
Stogner reflected on his participation in the station’s “ice bucket challenge,” a viral online initiative that raised more than $100 million for ALS research. “It was great fun,” he said. “Little did I know it would change my life.”
“My career in broadcast journalism is coming to an end,” Stogner told viewers. “I am blessed to have had the best job in the world working for [WTVD] and the Walt Disney Company.”
Stogner said he will be taking some time off to vacation with his wife over the next few weeks, and will formally depart the station in early February.
