CNN Reporter Anderson Cooper Struck by Debris While Covering Hurricane Milton in Florida
CNN’s prominent broadcaster Anderson Cooper was struck by flying debris while reporting on Hurricane Milton in Bradenton, Florida. The incident occurred on Wednesday night as Cooper braved strong winds and heavy rain to deliver live coverage of the powerful storm’s aftermath.
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Footage of the moment shows the 57-year-old reporter walking through the storm’s intense conditions when a piece of white debris flew through the air, hitting him in the chest. Cooper briefly pauses, saying, “Woah,” before collecting himself and calmly telling viewers, “Okay, that wasn’t good. We’ll probably go inside shortly,” as floodwaters from the nearby Manatee River continued to rise.
CNN anchor Kaitlan Collins later reassured viewers who were concerned for Cooper’s safety, confirming that the star reporter was unharmed. “I do want to note for everyone watching, Anderson is okay,” she said during the broadcast.
Reports revealed that the object that struck Cooper was a piece of Styrofoam, and despite the incident, he continued reporting for several hours afterward, showing his professionalism and dedication.
This marks the second time in recent days that a CNN reporter had a close call while reporting in hazardous conditions. Just days earlier, CNN’s Jim Sciutto was forced to take cover when Iranian missiles landed dangerously close to his position in Israel on October 1.
Cooper’s commitment to reporting from the frontlines of major natural disasters has earned him a reputation as one of CNN’s most resilient reporters. His coverage of Hurricane Milton, despite the risks, provides a vital look into the devastating effects of the storm on Florida.
