Richmond TV journalist Stephanie Rochon passes away from cancer

RICHMOND, VA (WWBT) - One of Richmond's most respected journalists passed away on Wednesday after a nearly year-long battle with cancer.

Stephanie Rochon, the longtime lead female anchor at WTVR CBS6, had worked at the station since 1999. She spent most of that time as co-anchor of the station's 6 and 11 p.m. newscasts.

Our colleagues at WTVR tell us she was a passionate newsroom leader with a big heart and tireless work ethic, and that she was a relentless advocate for breast cancer awareness and access to health care, especially for low-income women.

"Any time I saw Stephanie, always a smile, always a hug," said NBC12 anchor Curt Autry. "People would come up to her; she was always gracious with them whether she knew them or not."

"The way she was committed to getting to know people, to sharing their story, to connecting with them -- that's powerful," said NBC12 anchor Sabrina Squire. "We should all really try to imitate that."

Rochon, 50, was a proud graduate of Louisiana State University and prior to coming to Richmond, she worked at stations in Louisiana and Texas.

She is survived by her husband, two sons, her mother, father, brother and countless and grateful friends, co-workers, and viewers.

Our NBC12 family's thoughts and prayers are with Stephanie's loved ones and our colleagues at WTVR during this difficult time.

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