John Lomax, longtime WKRC Local 12 anchor, dies at 72

Longtime WKRC Local 12 anchor and reporter John Lomax has died, according to a statement released by the family. He was 72.

Lomax co-anchored "Good Morning Cincinnati" for 32 years, including 13 with Cammy Dierking. He worked at the station for 39 years. He retired in 2022.

The family said Lomax had been diagnosed with pneumonia and was admitted to the hospital, where he suffered complications and died suddenly.

Lomax's family issued a statement:

"We, the Lomax family, have some sad news to share with you all. This morning, Coasty Roscoe (a family nickname), husband, dad and certifiably best-ever Pop-pop, unexpectedly passed on to his forever beach in the stars.

"We can’t say we were prepared. This was a terrible and unfortunate surprise. We know this is going to be a hard thing for many of our friends and family to hear about. But know that we are all grieving together. He would have no person go through this alone.

"If it helps, we’ve been talking to him all day. We hope that you find comfort in the same, and in reflection of the memories with which he left you. Such a gift.

"At this time, we are not planning services; Dad’s wishes will take us down other paths. But we’re here, celebrating his life with each of you."

Lomax joined Local 12 as a reporter in 1983, then became a morning show anchor in 1990. His final day on-air with "Good Morning Cincinnati" was April 29, 2022.

“You know, I came here thinking that this station was a stepping stone to my next job, that I’d head somewhere else in the country after a few years," Lomax told The Enquirer in 2022. "Yet, after I arrived, I just fell in love with the place and never really wanted to leave. It has been a great experience."

Local 12 called Lomax the "heart and soul at Local 12 for 40 years."

Lomax was part of what those at Channel 12 called the "'80s kids," reporters and anchors who worked together back then and are still close today. They were all together recently to celebrate Nick Clooney's 90th birthday.

“He was just the best guy,” said Bob Herzog. “I’m so lucky to know him.”

Since Lomax’s retirement, the two got together once or twice a month.

"He was my friend. He was my mentor. He was like my second dad,” Herzog said. “When I lost my dad, I would call John instead. He was always there."

Herzog said Lomax was like that to everyone at the station.

“We referred to his office as the counselor’s office," Herzog said. "It was where somebody went to talk through something. Whether you worked with him 18 or 19 years or were the producer who was just hired, he would help everybody. He had such a level-headed way about him."

Herzog added, “His kindness was magnetic. You felt like you could open up to him."

And viewers felt that, Herzog said.

Lomax was a trusted source of news, no matter the subject matter. People started their day with him for years.

“When John Lomax said something, you could take it to the bank," Herzog said. "When he said it, it was all that needed to be said.”

Lomax cherished spending time with his grandchildren.

“He did not get enough of that time," Herzog said. "And he earned that."

Lomax said one of his favorite stories to cover was the Super Bowl in 1989, where he reported on location as the Bengals played against the San Francisco 49ers.

Before he left, he said he was most looking forward to taking time for himself, sleeping in and connecting with his family.

Lomax was the grand marshal of the 2022 Joe Nuxhall Miracle League Fields Opening Day Parade.

Lomax is survived by his wife, Donna, and his children, Lindsey and Brandon, as well as his grandchildren.

Lomax lived with his family in Villa Hills. A Knoxville, Tennessee, native, he attended the University of Tennessee and was a staunch supporter of Volunteer athletics.

Lomax also enjoyed photography and shot many concerts and events.

Social media tributes to Lomax:

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: John Lomax, longtime WKRC Local 12 anchor, dies at 72