With heavy hearts, WTWO announces the passing of longtime Meteorologist Dan Reynolds, more affectionately known as “Doppler Dan” or “Dop.” His passing marks the end of an era at WTWO, as he was not only a beloved figure within the station but also a cherished presence in the lives of his viewers. Dan was 71 years old.
Dan began his career at WTWO in May of 1993. At that time, he stepped into the role of weekend meteorologist, a position he embraced wholeheartedly for nearly 32 years. His unwavering loyalty to the viewers, the television station, and the weather team was evident in his dedication, passion, and consistency.
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Dan was more than just a meteorologist; he was a pillar of the WTWO family, always willing to lend a helping hand, guide younger colleagues, and serve as a reassuring presence during severe weather events.
“I’m deeply saddened by the passing of Dan Reynolds,” said Tim Sanders, VP/General Manager of WTWO/WAWV. “Dan has been an important part of the WTWO weather team. He truly loved the Terre Haute community, always keeping a close eye on its economic growth and development.
His passion, kindness, and humor will be greatly missed.” Throughout his career, Dan co-anchored alongside many different faces, helping train and mentor some of the station’s newest anchors.
His wealth of knowledge, combined with his kindness, made him an invaluable resource to those around him. He cared deeply for his co-workers, both past and present, and maintained close ties with many former employees whose lives he had positively impacted.
“Dan was not only a co-worker but also a close friend,” WTWO Chief Meteorologist Jesse Walker said. “We worked through many big weather events together, including tornado outbreaks, snowstorms, and the everyday challenges of our ever-changing weather.
I’ve had many morning meteorologists in my years at WTWO, but one constant was always Dan Reynolds. For almost 32 years, we were a team, and I always knew I could count on him. It’s not going to be the same now without him, but I was blessed to have worked with him for so many years.”
Dan’s contributions to WTWO extended beyond forecasting the weather. He was an incredibly versatile broadcaster, always willing to step into different roles to help the station function smoothly.
In addition to his weekend meteorology duties, Dan hosted a Tech Talk segment for several years, offering insight into the latest technology trends and innovations. He also stepped in as an editor, ensuring that the station’s programs ran seamlessly.
On election nights, Dan could always be counted on to quickly input and update the website with poll numbers as soon as they came in, helping to keep the public informed in real-time. His commitment to the station and his colleagues was unmatched.
“Dan would do anything that he was asked to do; Dan would go above and beyond. Not just for the weather team but for the whole station,” Meteorologist Julie Henricks said. “Dan was a hard worker, and I think Dan came from a generation that understood what hard work was.”
To know Dan was to love him. His sense of humor and infectious laughter could light up any room he walked into. Though he maintained a composed and professional demeanor on air, behind the scenes, Dan was known for his wit and ability to bring joy to those around him. His quick comebacks and humorous remarks made even the most stressful newsroom situations more manageable.
“I worked with Dan for more than 30 years, and I adored Dan Reynolds,” Anchor Dana Winklepleck said. “I don’t think a lot of people realized how quick-witted he was. He was one of those people that when he walked in the door, you knew it was going to be a good day and you were going to have fun.”
Although Dan was not originally from the Wabash Valley, he embraced it as his home. He fell in love with the region and the community, and the affection was mutual. Dan planned to retire here this summer, looking forward to spending his well-earned retirement in the place he had grown to love.
“If you really got to know him, you knew that he was from Chicago, and he liked to talk about it. You knew he was a Notre Dame fan, and you never questioned his Irish loyalty, and you knew that this station was his home,” Henricks shared.
Dan’s loss is deeply felt not only by his colleagues but also by the countless viewers who came to rely on his forecasts, his steadiness, and his unwavering presence during times of uncertainty.
Severe weather events can be unsettling, but Dan’s voice brought a sense of calm, reassuring the community that they were in good hands. His commitment to providing accurate and timely weather updates was a testament to his dedication to public service.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Dan was a devoted friend and mentor. He supported those around him and shared his wisdom freely, always eager to help others grow in their careers. His guidance and influence will continue to be felt in the newsroom, even in his absence.
Dan Reynolds leaves behind a legacy of excellence, warmth, and commitment. His contributions to WTWO and the Terre Haute community will not be forgotten. As we mourn his passing, we also celebrate his remarkable life and the impact he had on those who knew him.
Dan will be greatly missed by all of us at the station and the viewers at home. We ask that you keep Dan’s family, friends, viewers, and co-workers in your thoughts and prayers as they navigate this difficult loss. His legacy will continue at WTWO, in every weather update, every newsroom joke, and every memory shared by those who had the privilege of working with him.
Rest in peace, Dan Reynolds. You were a true professional, a kind soul, and a cherished friend.
