Former KTVN anchor and reporter John Mercer died in a Chattanooga hospital last night after a heart-related emergency. His death is not related to COVID-19.
John anchored our evening newscasts in the late 1990’s and early 2000’s. He left in 2003 to work for WDEF, the CBS affiliate in Chattanooga, Tennessee. John also anchored evening newscasts there.
The company that owns KTVN also owns a television station in Chattanooga, WRCB, and is sharing in our sadness.
“We extend our deepest condolences to John’s family and his WDEF colleagues,” said Tom Tolar, Chief Operating Officer for Sarkes Tarzian, Inc. “John was respected in the WRCB newsroom for his work and his presence in the Chattanooga broadcasting community will be greatly missed.”
John leaves behind twin daughters who are very loved by the Sarkes Tarzian, Inc. family. John’s ex-wife produced many of his newscasts here at KTVN and currently works at WRCB.
“He fought very hard for six days,” the family said in a statement. “He will be forever missed. He was the best father ever.”
Arrangements are pending. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association.
Former long-time KTVN anchor Wendy Damonte and Mercer’s co-anchor says, “I am so incredibly sad to hear of John’s passing. He and I had so many good memories anchoring the news together. From the implosion of the Mapes Hotel, to our school district wide “Time 2 Act” programs to prevent school violence, to spending every evening with him on the news desk. John was always so professional and so much fun at the same time. Journalism lost a great reporter and KTVN lost a great friend. My heart breaks for Jenny and the twins and all of us who had the great opportunity to work with John.”
(Photos courtesy: Facebook)
