KCAL News Anchor Chauncy Glover's Cause of Death at 39 Revealed: 'So Tragic'

Over three months after KCAL news anchor Chauncy Glover's sudden death at just 39, a medical examiner has finally revealed the reason behind his passing.

The County of Los Angeles Department of Medical Examiner confirmed on February 19 that Chauncy Glover died from acute intoxication caused by the combined effects of chloroethane and methamphetamine. His death was ruled an accident. After the news broke, netizens shared their reactions online.

One netizen commented, "Oh wow this is devastating and he was my favorite news anchor man aww man. I hope his family's recovery due is his passing is okay bc I feel so bad for them [sic].😔🙏🏾💐🕊️🪽"

An avid viewer also reflected on Glover's move from Houston, sharing how much they valued his connection with fellow news anchor Mayra Moreno. They noted how deeply he will be missed.

Another expressed disbelief, "There is no way I believe this. Had to be unknowingly [sic]." Another wrote, "So tragic, he was a great news anchor, RIP 💔🕊️🙏🏻."

Someone else reflected on the shock of learning that substances were involved in his death, recalling their admiration for Glover during his time in Houston. A commenter offered heartfelt condolences, sending prayers to his family during this difficult time.

One person called the news a "tragedy," sharing their grief with a broken heart emoji. Another individual lamented the loss of someone so young, noting that 39 was far too early for a life filled with promise to end.

Glover died unexpectedly on November 5, 2024. His parents, Sherry and Robert Glover, were devastated by his death. They wrote in a statement, "He was more than a son and brother — he was a beacon of light in our lives and a true hero to his community."

They noted that his work for "The Chauncy Glover Project" (CGP) transformed and inspired the lives of many young men, adding, "His talent, warmth, and vision left an imprint on everyone who knew him, and the world is dimmer without him."

Glover's family also penned, "While we grieve this profound loss, we are comforted by the outpouring of love and memories shared by those who knew Glover as the passionate, gifted soul he was."

Despite the tragic circumstances of his death, Glover's career was marked by his dedication to storytelling.

Glover started working at KCAL in October 2023 until his passing. He began his professional journalism career with WTVM News in Columbus, Georgia, but his passion for the field ignited much earlier.

At just five years old, his father built him a mini anchor desk, and Glover would perform newscasts for his family every Sunday after church in their hometown of Athens, Alabama.

For Glover, journalism went beyond simply reporting the news, referring to it as his "calling." He viewed his role as an opportunity to use his platform for positive change, using storytelling and community involvement to make a meaningful impact.

Over the years, he worked in various states, including Florida, Georgia, Michigan, and Texas, before joining KCAL in California. At KCAL, Glover co-anchored the 5 and 11 p.m. newscasts alongside Pat Harvey and shared the desk with Suzie Suh for the 8 and 10 p.m. broadcasts.

As much as Glover discovered his passion for journalism at a young age, his dedication to the communities he served was always at the heart of his work. He did this through his impactful storytelling and his community outreach efforts.

The journalist launched a mentorship initiative during his time at WDIV in Detroit. The inspiration came after he witnessed a young life lost on the streets. This led him to establish the CGP.

As per the website, the project is a hands-on mentorship program to guide young men to become confident, responsible, and moral leaders.

The program covers various empowering topics, including dressing for success, manhood, etiquette, college readiness, tutoring, public speaking, and community service. Glover and his team of mentors met with young students in grades 7-12 twice a month for sessions focused on personal growth and enriching experiences.

After relocating to Houston to anchor at KTRK, Glover brought CGP with him. The program has since helped more than 350 young men of color pursue higher education. It has also mentored over 1,000 individuals, empowering them with the skills and confidence to succeed.

Glover also deeply loved theater, performing in several national and Off-Broadway productions. One of his most cherished moments was when he was invited to sing at the funeral of civil rights icon Rosa Parks in Montgomery, Alabama, a tribute that filled him with pride.

In addition to his work in journalism, Glover was a highly sought-after motivational speaker. He traveled across the country, delivering impactful speeches designed to inspire aspiring journalists.

As a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated, he remained committed to uplifting others. Glover's personal motto was, "Fear stops where faith begins."

Glover's work in the community and as a journalist earned him numerous accolades. He bagged three Emmy awards for his exceptional storytelling and live reports in Detroit. This also included his heroic live coverage during Hurricane Harvey, where he helped deliver a baby after rescuing a woman in labor.

His dedication to his community was also acknowledged when he was named one of the Ambassadors of the Year for his work with Detroit's youth.

In addition to these honors, Glover received recognition from President Barack Obama and My Brother's Keeper for his impactful mentoring efforts. He was named one of Houston's "Most Interesting People." Additionally, he was voted one of the "Most Stylish Houstonians" by the Houston Chronicle.

Glover also earned recognition as one of Houston's Top Black Professionals in the Top 40 under 40 list. The National Association of Black Journalists honored him with the Angelo B. Henderson Community Service Award. This accolade celebrates journalists who make a positive impact beyond their professional work.

Widely admired for his dedication to journalism and his warm on-screen presence, Glover was also known for his deep connections with his workmates.

Among those closest to Glover was his "work wife" and long-time peer, Mayra Moreno, who shared emotional tributes to honor his memory in 2024.

In an Instagram post on November 6 of that year, Moreno expressed her devastation, "An unexpected loss. My heart is broken. @chauncyglover ! 🕊️." Alongside her message, she posted a series of photos that captured memorable moments between the two.

The photos included shots of the pair on a football field. Another photo featured them standing side-by-side on the news set, dressed in matching blue outfits, reflecting their professional synergy. In another image, Glover wore a large hat and mustache filter while Moreno laughed, showcasing the joy they found in each other's company.

On November 7, Moreno penned a more extensive and touching message with a throwback video where she and Glover exchanged light-hearted banter about their favorite holiday movies and gifts. The lengthy caption provided a window into their unique friendship and the depth of their connection.

Moreno openly expressed her struggle to find the right words, "I have been going over and over in my head trying to find the right words but honestly nothing I type will make sense right now. I have so many thoughts and memories I can't make it flow properly. So if you have time to read. This will be all over the place and long: sorry [sic]!"

In her heartfelt note, Moreno recounted Glover's love for Houston and his commitment to his nonprofit organization, which aimed to empower young people and make a positive difference.

"Chauncy LOVED Houston and he LOVED his tribe, his family, his friends. He loved his nonprofit: The Chauncy Glover Project. He wanted to empower youth and he loved making a difference [sic]," she wrote, emphasizing his dedication to his community and his passion for giving back.

Moreno also looked back on their collective experiences and the close bond they developed over "8 plus years." She described how they confided in each other, sharing "stories, laughs, ugly cries and more."

Their connection extended beyond the screen, and Moreno cherished the authenticity of their friendship, saying, "What came out on screen was genuine, just like this video I wanted to share. This video basically sums up how we were."

Moreno reminisced about some of their favorite memories, including their love for berry hill fish tacos, which Glover would often pick up between newscasts. Glover occasionally surprised her with flowers on her desk, a gesture she remembered fondly.

Although he didn't like coffee, Moreno often encouraged him to try it, laughing as he repeated the same Spanish phrase again and again. Working weekend mornings was a challenge for them both, and they often motivated each other with dreams of eventually moving to a weekday schedule, which they ultimately achieved.

Their playful teasing was another cherished aspect of their friendship. Moreno, slightly older, recalled how Glover would joke about her age, calling her "old."

Every year, as he got older, she humorously reminded him that he was "catching up." The heartbreak of his untimely passing was evident in her words, as she wrote, "Now I'm just broken that he didn't even get to make it to his 40th birthday!"

Moreno's tribute ended with a poignant reflection on the countless memories they created together. "So many more thoughts and memories and just can't put it together nicely right now. 💔🕊️" Moreno's words offer a heartfelt window into her unique and cherished friendship with Glover.

Their on-air chemistry and the joy they found in each other's company often left fans questioning if they were a couple. Yet, this connection was rooted in a genuine, platonic friendship that made saying goodbye all the more difficult when Glover left ABC13 in August 2023.

At the time of his departure, Moreno posted a lengthy and emotional message to honor her former co-anchor and friend. Regarding their time together, she added, "Time flies when you're having fun! Our first newscast together was October 2015… yesterday was our last newscast together."

Accompanying her message were snapshots that encapsulated their journey from their first broadcast to their final day together on the anchor desk.

The images captured a timeline of their partnership, from their early days as co-anchors on the weekend morning news to their eventual rise to weekday primetime slots, solidifying their presence in Houston's broadcast history.

Moreno described the challenges and triumphs they experienced on air. "We started weekends mornings together, which was rough yall! We ended hitting it off and we worked so well together on the anchor desk that working with him became easy [sic]."

Their synergy on set led to new opportunities, including launching Houston's first-ever 3 p.m. newscast, followed by promotions to the 4 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. time slots — milestones that were as groundbreaking as they were demanding.

"In this biz we meet so many people and we develop a bond [sic]," said Moreno, capturing the closeness that often develops in the fast-paced world of news. "We see our coworkers more than we do our families. This is what makes saying goodbye hard."

Discussing the nature of television work, Moreno added that the industry is small, and there's always a chance that paths will cross again. However, she acknowledged the bittersweet nature of Glover's departure, wishing her "now former coanchor" well as he embarked on a new journey.

She humorously addressed how many people had mistaken them for a real-life couple, even joking that it was because they "match clothes."

Glover's affection for Moreno extended beyond the newsroom and was evident when she got engaged to her longtime boyfriend in 2016. The LA-based TV anchor's excitement was palpable in his celebratory post on X, formerly Twitter.

These light-hearted posts shed light on the depth of Glover's happiness for his friend as she embarked on a new chapter in her personal life.