Carley McCord was among the victims killed today in a private plane crash in Lafayette, Louisiana. McCord worked as a sports reporter for New Orleans NBC affiliate WDSU as well as performing in-game hosting duties for the Saints and Pelicans. She was 30 years old.
McCord was flying to Atlanta for the Peach Bowl; her father-in-law, Steve Ensminger, is LSU’s offensive coordinator. The plane crashed shortly after takeoff into a parking lot, killing five and sending others to the hospital, including injured victims from both the ground and the plane itself.
From WDSU’s own report:
McCord was born and raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She was a graduate of Northwestern State University and Louisiana State University. McCord got her first broadcast job in Cleveland working as an in-house reporter for the Cleveland Browns.
A few months later, McCord was hired by CBS Radio Cleveland to be a morning show cast-member for a morning show on a Hot AC formatted station. After two years in Cleveland, Carley moved back to Baton Rouge to pursue her broadcast career in her hometown. She began working for Guaranty Media as a radio host for 100.7 The Tiger and 104.5 ESPN Baton Rouge. After a three-year stint with Guaranty Media, she made the announcement that she wanted to pursue her sports television career full-time.
McCord was a freelance sideline and sports reporter for various networks, including Cox Sports Television, ESPN3 and WDSU-TV. McCord was the digital media reporter for the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and the in-game host for the New Orleans Pelicans and the New Orleans Saints.
“We are devastated by the loss of such an amazing talent and valued member of our WDSU family,” said WDSU President and General Manager, Joel Vilmenay. “Carley’s passion for sports journalism and her deep knowledge of Louisiana sports, from high school to the professional ranks, made her an exceptional journalist. As we reflect on her impressive body of work, we offer our deepest condolences to her family.”
“Words cannot express the tremendous amount of sorrow our entire staff holds for Carley and her family,” said WDSU News Director Akili Franklin. “She was an extraordinary woman and a talented reporter. We offer our deepest condolences to her family and friends.”
“She will be severely missed.”
McCord is survived by her husband Steve Ensminger Jr., her family and friends.
