Sunday WAFF TV Channel 48 reporter Allen Stroud passed away Sunday afternoon following a yearlong battle with stage 4 lung cancer. Allen was only 31-years -old.
Allen Stroud was a Madison native.
He went to work at WAFF 48 in 2013 after graduating from Auburn University with a business degree. He joined WAFF as a member of the station’s sales department.
“Allen, truly, never met a stranger,” the station wrote in a statement. “He was quick to strike up conversation and vested genuine interest in learning more about those around him. His personality suited a salesman, but his dream was to report within the community he so dearly loved.”
Stroud wanted to get into the broadcasting side of the industry, so he committed his weekends and evenings to interning in the newsroom when he finished his business with clients.
In 2015 he began his television news career as a photographer and digital reporter.
“His love for the people of the Tennessee Valley was evident through the passion he poured into his work,” WAFF wrote.
In 2017 he was promotion to a position as a full-time reporter.
“It is a privilege to work with so many people I’ve looked up to and respected for so many years,” Stroud said at the time. “The viewers of the Tennessee Valley are loyal, kind, and so giving.”
“The 48 Team loved Allen,” said WAFF 48 General Manager Dave Thomason. “He embraced hard work and loved to laugh with his co-workers. They loved him for being authentic and kind.”
“We are thinking of Allen’s mom, dad and his sister,” said news director Julie Szulczewski. “His 48 family grieves his loss, but we know he is no longer in pain and for that we are grateful.”
Funeral arrangements have not been announced.
This report is based on original reporting by WAFF.
