CNN's Anderson Cooper Hit by Debris While Reporting on Hurricane Milton: 'I Am Very Concerned for His Safety'

The broadcaster was reporting live on the evening of Wednesday, October 9, 2024, as the powerful category-3 hurricane made landfall, unleashing its fury on the Florida coastline.

Anderson Cooper was struck by flying debris while showcasing the widespread devastation caused by Hurricane Milton in Bradenton, a city just a few miles south of Tampa. The incident led to fans urging him to be cautious.

Hurricane Milton, which had previously reached category five strength, brought with it torrential rain and storm surges. Cooper, who anchors "Anderson Cooper 360°," was describing the dire situation when he was suddenly struck by fragments.

He reported, "At the water now, and it's really starting to pour over," as huge waves and strong winds lashed around him. Then, after an object hit him in the face, he exclaimed, "Woah, OK, that wasn't good," adding that he would head inside shortly.

Fans online saw Cooper's live report and were quick to express their concerns on social media. One worried viewer exclaimed, "I am very concerned for his safety!" Another, clearly agitated, shouted, "NO. HE NEEDS TO GET HISSELF INSIDE. HE HAS CHILDREN TO THINK OF!"

Someone else urged CNN, "CNN we get it...now get your people to safety, not risk their lives." A stunned viewer questioned, "Why they got Anderson out there!" Amid the chaos, one compassionate soul shared, "That is so scary for everyone I pray for everyone to be as safe as possible 🙏❤️💗."

Other reporters such as Bill Weir also went into Hurricane Milton to bring the latest happenings to their viewers. Weir reported from St. Petersburg, Florida, situated in the northern part of the storm's path. As he provided live updates amid the fierce conditions, heavy rain lashed down, and powerful gusts of wind whipped around him, causing his red hat to fly away.

American meteorologist Jim Cantore, renowned as an on-air personality for The Weather Channel, also reported live from the middle of the street as fierce winds howled around him.

Suddenly, a flying tree branch struck him while he stood amid the chaos. The powerful gusts nearly swept him off his feet, forcing him to brace himself against a street post. As he began to move away, he said, "I'm gonna let you guys look at the pictures."

Cantore's situation mirrors the experiences of many as the storm persists. Makenna Caskey, a resident of St. Petersburg, and her aunt were seeking shelter when a tower crane in the downtown area collapsed, crashing into a nearby building.

Caskey and her aunt were lucky as the crane fell on the building right across from their apartment. She was glad that her household was spared, saying, "The collapse and crash of the crane was about a hundred feet or so from our building, and nearly had a very different outcome."

Tragically, other incidents have resulted in reported casualties, including fatalities from a tornado that tore through a mobile home retirement community in St. Lucie County on Florida's eastern coast.

Sheriff Keith Pearson has not yet confirmed the total number of lives lost but indicated that it is likely more than one. Search and rescue teams, along with personnel from state and local agencies, are working to locate individuals trapped in the retirement community.

In addition to the mobile homes, hundreds of houses have been completely destroyed as the storm continues to ravage the county.

CNN's Cooper's work is focused on reporting social and humanity such as that of Caskey and the mobile home retirement community. He once emphasized the importance of not becoming desensitized to the death and destruction that surrounds us. Cooper noted that this awareness enhances one's reporting skills.

Reflecting on his time in Rwanda, Cooper recalled an experience where he took a photograph of a woman whose skin was peeling with heat. At this moment, he realized that he had begun to see the deceased not as individuals but merely as bodies.

He stressed the need to remain aware of the human reality in such situations and to allow the surrounding circumstances to impact him emotionally.

Neda Langroodi, an undeclared freshman, shared how Anderson Cooper's candidness and relatable demeanor inspired her. She mentioned his commitment to remembering the names of those who have lost loved ones, recognizing it as a way to honor their legacies.

For Tarrant County College nursing student Sasha Meraj, attending "An Evening with Anderson Cooper" served as a reminder of the importance of caring for people around the world.

Cooper encourages aspiring journalists to engage in genuine conversations with people, emphasizing the importance of listening with compassion and conveying stories compellingly. He added, "Make yourself indispensable. I volunteered for assignments that no one else wanted."

Cooper also asked students to strive for daily learning and to embrace the changes that come from their interactions with others and various situations. He shared his enthusiasm for his career, remarking that it doesn't feel like work to him.