John Coleman, the American broadcaster who founded The Weather Channel in 1981, died at the age of 83.
Coleman died at his home in Las Vegas on Saturday, Jan. 20, his wife, Linda Coleman, told KUSI-TV.
He was the first weatherman on ABC’s Good Morning America. He was also a weatherman on KUSI News in San Diego before his retirement in 2014, the station reported. In 1983, Coleman was honored by the American Meteorological Society as Broadcast Meteorologist of the year.
In recent years, Coleman became an outspoken critic of the global warming theory. “It is the greatest scam in history,” he said in 2007. “I am amazed, appalled and highly offended by it. Global Warming: It is a SCAM.”
According to an archive of a Hot Air report, what caused him to make that statement was a football game between the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys on “Sunday Night Football.” NBC, as part of its “Green is Universal” week, cut off the studio lights for portions of the pre-game and halftime shows.
“I couldn’t take it anymore,” he said. “I did a Howard Beale.”
On Sunday, a number of people mourned his passing, with some saying that he was the greatest weatherman of all time.
RIP John Coleman. Did not have the pleasure of befriending him but I was a fan! pic.twitter.com/rWB0MsJOAD
— Hank Bauer (@hank_bauer) January 21, 2018
John Coleman, the GOAT among all weatherman, has passed. RIP.
— Nick Canepa (@sdutCanepa) January 21, 2018
Very sad news to hear that John Coleman founder of the weather channel has passed away at the age of 61 year old! True pioneer in the weather industry! My prayers and condolences to his family R.I.P
— Justin Frantzen (@JustinFrantzen5) January 21, 2018
John Coleman, founder of the weather Channel has passed away. It's a sad day for anyone who loves the weather.
— Joe Bastardi (@BigJoeBastardi) January 21, 2018
I'm very saddened to hear of the death of my friend and a true TV and #SanDiego legend – John Coleman from KUSI. Thoughts and prayers with his family and the @KUSINews team. pic.twitter.com/pl1PyXokRa
— Carl DeMaio (@carldemaio) January 21, 2018
R.I.P. to the great #JohnColeman. Founder of The Weather Channel, but was likely was one the funnest meteorologists on TV. He was always dancing, telling stories, and doing crazy things during the weather. This is one my personal favs:
“…and a breeeeeeeze!!”
A legend, indeed. pic.twitter.com/qBKY7sWdZN— Dakota Hunter (@HuntersWx) January 21, 2018
Woke up to news of John Coleman’s passing. An accomplished weatherman with as much energy as anyone in news. His trademark “It’s Friday!” celebrations always provided a smile and a laugh to my family as we ushered in the weekend. He’ll be missed. #RIP
— The Backseat Lamp (@thebackseatlamp) January 21, 2018
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