|
|
|
A fire Friday destroyed the home of Hannibal tourism director and popular television broadcaster Beau Hicks.
Firefighters from four departments were called around noon to Hicks’ home northeast of Ewing.
Hicks, a brother and neighbors fought the flames with garden hoses until help arrived. The garage was saved but the house was lost.
A cause had not been determined, but a dryer fire in the basement of the home on Wednesday caused smoke and other damage.
Hicks had smoke inhalation Friday. He was treated at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, Ill., and released.
Hicks is executive director of the Hannibal Convention and Visitors Bureau and weekend weather anchor on WGEM TV Channel 10, the NBC affiliate in Quincy.
WGEM General Manager Carlos Fernandez talked with Hicks while still at the hospital Friday afternoon.
“What he needs is rest,” said Fernandez, adding that Hicks would not be on the air this weekend.
Assistant tourism director Megan Rapp said everyone at the agency “is heartbroken at this tragic loss.”
“Our prayers are with Beau at this time, and everyone at the bureau is doing their part to make sure everything is taken care of while he is away,” Rapp said in a statement. “We’re all hoping the new season will have happier things in store. Beau works so hard to promote tourism and Hannibal, and I know that Hannibal will be there to show support for him during this difficult time.”
A relief fund has been set up. Donations may be dropped off at any US Bank location or the tourism office at 505 N. Third in Hannibal.
Mailed donations should be sent to US Bank, Attn: Beau Hicks Fire Relief Fund, 668 Broadway, Hannibal, Mo., 63401.
A fire Friday destroyed the home of Hannibal tourism director and popular television broadcaster Beau Hicks.
Firefighters from four departments were called around noon to Hicks’ home northeast of Ewing.
Hicks, a brother and neighbors fought the flames with garden hoses until help arrived. The garage was saved but the house was lost.
A cause had not been determined, but a dryer fire in the basement of the home on Wednesday caused smoke and other damage.
Hicks had smoke inhalation Friday. He was treated at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, Ill., and released.
Hicks is executive director of the Hannibal Convention and Visitors Bureau and weekend weather anchor on WGEM TV Channel 10, the NBC affiliate in Quincy.
WGEM General Manager Carlos Fernandez talked with Hicks while still at the hospital Friday afternoon.
“What he needs is rest,” said Fernandez, adding that Hicks would not be on the air this weekend.
Assistant tourism director Megan Rapp said everyone at the agency “is heartbroken at this tragic loss.”
“Our prayers are with Beau at this time, and everyone at the bureau is doing their part to make sure everything is taken care of while he is away,” Rapp said in a statement. “We’re all hoping the new season will have happier things in store. Beau works so hard to promote tourism and Hannibal, and I know that Hannibal will be there to show support for him during this difficult time.”
A relief fund has been set up. Donations may be dropped off at any US Bank location or the tourism office at 505 N. Third in Hannibal.
Mailed donations should be sent to US Bank, Attn: Beau Hicks Fire Relief Fund, 668 Broadway, Hannibal, Mo., 63401.
