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Husband of New Orleans Fox 8 Anchor Nancy Parker Devastated after She Dies in Plane Crash
The husband of a well-known New Orleans TV anchor that died in a plane crash last week is inconsolable as he pours his heart out on social media.
Nancy Parker, an award-winning journalist with FOX 8 New Orleans, was reporting a story about stunt pilot Franklin Augustus on Friday when their plane crashed, killing both passengers.
I don’t know how Lee was able to hold it together during this. Here is the announcement on @FOX8NOLA of anchor Nancy Parker’s death. You can watch their coverage starting at 9pm CT on https://t.co/0QODU6uBbI. pic.twitter.com/TvsE6mDOsX
— Blaine Stewart (@BlaineStewart) August 17, 2019
Parker’s death sparked mourning across New Orleans where she was known as a consummate journalist, but nothing compares to the pain felt by her family.
Parker’s husband, Glynn Boyd, took to Facebook a day after his wife’s death, reflecting an anguished soul in his words.
Boyd shared a photo of Parker, 53, and confessed that his heart was shattered. “The dearest and most wonderful person in my life is gone,” he continued. “Our Nancy was an amazing human being.”
Spring Break !! pic.twitter.com/2xwHE1eIr8
— Nancy Parker (@NancyParkerFOX8) April 2, 2018
A FOREVER KIND OF PAIN
The grieving widower further described Parker as “an awesome mother” to their three children who was also a professional at her job.
“I loved her and she loved me. We were best friends. I would trade places with her right now. I should’ve been on that plane. She was our road map, our compass, our guiding light. I’m lost without my wife. My faith tells me joy will come in the morning. My joy will come when I see Jesus and my Nancy Face to Face.”
THE TRAGEDY
Thanking everyone for their support, Boyd asked for prayers for their family and Parker’s parents. “Nancy was the apple of their eyes,” he said. The heartbreaking post has since garnered over 10,000 comments of condolences and prayers for the family of the deceased.
The National Transportation Safety Board said on Saturday that Augustus radioed the tower to report unspecified problems with the aircraft shortly after takeoff, CNN reported.
He had been cleared to return to New Orleans' Lakefront Airport when witnesses said the plane appeared to develop engine problems and crashed, going up in flames.
There were many people who never met Nancy Parker, but loved her like a member of the family. That's how strongly she connected with New Orleans viewers. With everyone.
— Blayne Alexander (@ReporterBlayne) August 18, 2019
Honored to share her story for @NBCNightlyNews.https://t.co/GFrZxQPM3i pic.twitter.com/S7GC7cQm6q
CONDOLENCES TROOP IN
In a statement posted to Twitter, Mayor of New Orleans LaToya Cantrell described Parker and Augustus as “one-of-a-kind individuals.”
Cantrell noted that five-time Emmy-winning Parker was an “invaluable member of our community” while Augustus, a pilot who fought substance abuse among New Orleans youths, “never forgot the magic he felt as a youth about flying.”
“May Nancy and Franklin both rest in God's perfect peace,” the Mayor added.
Both victims lost in this tragic incident were beloved, one-of-a-kind individuals. Our hearts and our love go out to their families and all who knew them. May Nancy and Franklin both rest in God's perfect peace. pic.twitter.com/5kECtLha8S
— Mayor LaToya Cantrell (@mayorcantrell) August 17, 2019
CELEBRITIES REACT
Celebrities like New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees and actor Wendell Pierce also joined the long list of mourners.
“My heart goes out to the family of Nancy Parker, a beloved reporter & news anchor in New Orleans, wife, and mother of three,” Brees tweeted. “Thoughts and prayers to all of you during this time.”
So saddened to hear bout @NancyParkerFOX8 .... she was an incredible journalist.. and a phenomenal mother... RIP 💔
— Hoda Kotb (@hodakotb) August 17, 2019
Pierce wrote:
“I am deeply saddened by the untimely death of the consummate journalist Nancy Parker. My condolences to her husband Glen Boyd and their family. She made her mark in the journalism community of New Orleans and will be sorely missed. RIP”
Hurricane Barry was passing and I jokingly said after hours of broadcasting we still look pretty good! She said well let’s take a selfie! So much joy here. She always brought joy. ❤️💔 #nancyparker pic.twitter.com/lpr1O5Vjbo
— David Bernard (@DavidBernardTV) August 17, 2019
PARKER'S VOID
FOX 8 Vice President and General Manager Tim Ingram also described Parker as a woman who “put her heart and soul into her work, covering thousands of stories and touching countless lives.”
“Nancy was a part of the Fox 8 family for the last 23 years,” Ingram added. “She made a difference in the lives of those she reported on. She will be sorely missed, and her absence creates a void that cannot be filled.”
@DeanMarkNelson pic.twitter.com/7WEWgUY5Ey
— Nancy Parker (@NancyParkerFOX8) February 15, 2018
The Parker family has since announced a scholarship fund in partnership with the Community Foundation of East Alabama to honor Parker, a native of Alabama, NBC News reported.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of loved ones of the deceased as they go through this difficult period.
