KOMO Anchor-Reporter Kathi Goertzen Dies

Longtime KOMO Seattle anchor/reporter Kathi Goertzen died Monday. Goertzen fought an ongoing battle against non-cancerous brain tumors since 1998. She was 54 years old.

Goertzen joined KOMO in 1979 when she served as an intern from Washington State University. Upon her graduation in 1980, she became a full-time employee. In her 33 years with the station, she won numerous awards and citations for her journalistic excellence and integrity.

Jim Clayton, SVP-GM of Fisher Broadcasting Seattle, reflected: “In the 14 years since her courageous battle began, she always showed compassion for her viewers and colleagues, saying things like, ‘I hate to put you through this again but…’ Viewers’ support helped her through her ordeals.”

KOMO VP of News Holly Gauntt said the support from everyone in the community meant the world to Goertzen. “Please know that your love enveloped her. It strengthened and encouraged her. You helped Kathi fight a valiant fight, please know that it mattered deeply to her that you were there.”

She is survived by her husband Rick Jewett, daughters Alexa and Andrea, and her parents.