Steve Crump Obituary: A Veteran Reporter and Documentary Maker Steve Crump’s Death Cause Revealed

Steve Crump, a veteran reporter and documentary filmmaker at WBTV Charlotte, passed away on August 31, 2023, at the age of 65, after a five-year battle with colon cancer. He was a beloved member of the WBTV family and a respected voice in the community he served for nearly four decades. He was also a passionate advocate for cancer awareness and civil rights, producing more than 30 documentaries on various topics of historical and social significance.

A Life Dedicated to Journalism and Storytelling

Steve Crump was born on June 19, 1958, in Louisville, Kentucky, to Joyce Spalding and James Crump. He grew up in the Smoketown neighborhood, a historically Black area that was once home to Muhammad Ali. He was a fifth-generation Roman Catholic and a great-great-grandson of slaves. He credited his storytelling skills to listening to his family’s stories of their struggles and achievements in the Antebellum South.

He graduated from Eastern Kentucky University in 1980 with a degree in communications. He developed a keen interest in civil rights and social justice issues during his college years. He started his career as a reporter and anchor at various stations in Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan. He joined WBTV in 1984 as a general assignment reporter. He briefly left the station in 1989 to work at WDIV in Detroit but returned to WBTV in 1991 as a special projects reporter.

He soon became known for his in-depth reporting and investigative journalism. He covered major stories such as hurricanes, elections, trials, protests, and shootings. He also traveled to different parts of the world to report on international issues such as the transatlantic slave trade, the Rwandan genocide, the Haitian earthquake, and the Cuban migration crisis.

He was also an acclaimed documentary filmmaker who produced more than 30 documentaries for WTVI, the PBS affiliate in Charlotte. His documentaries focused on topics such as Black history, culture, sports, politics, religion, and health. Some of his notable works include:

• 9/4/57: A retrospective of the day Dorothy Counts desegregated Harding High School in Charlotte.
• The Ali Story: A biography of Muhammad Ali, the boxing legend and civil rights icon who was also Crump’s childhood hero.
• The Road to Recovery: A personal account of Crump’s journey with colon cancer and his advocacy for early detection and treatment.
• The Orangeburg Massacre: An investigation of the 1968 incident in which three Black students were killed by state troopers at South Carolina State University.
• Black Jockeys: The Ride of Their Lives: A history of the role of Black jockeys in the development of thoroughbred horse racing.

Crump received numerous awards and honors for his work, including an Emmy Award, a Peabody Award, a National Association of Black Journalists Award, a Regional Edward R. Murrow Award, and an Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award from the governor of North Carolina.

A Personal Battle with Cancer and a Mission to Inspire Others

Crump’s life took a dramatic turn in July 2018 when he was diagnosed with stage four colon cancer. He had been experiencing symptoms such as fatigue, weight loss, and abdominal pain for months, but had ignored them until they became unbearable. He underwent surgery to remove part of his colon and liver, followed by chemotherapy and radiation treatments.

He decided to share his story with the public through his documentary The Road to Recovery and his social media posts. He wanted to raise awareness about the importance of screening and prevention for colon cancer, especially among African Americans who are at higher risk of developing the disease. He also wanted to inspire others who were facing similar challenges with his positive attitude and faith.

He continued to work at WBTV as much as he could during his treatments. He also participated in various events and activities to support cancer patients and survivors. He hosted a “Five Year Cancer Survivors Brunch” for his family, friends, and colleagues on July 25, 2023. He also served as a keynote speaker at several cancer-related events such as Relay for Life and Colorectal Cancer Alliance.

He never gave up hope or lost his sense of humor throughout his ordeal. He often referred to the hospital as “the pokey” and joked about his baldness and weight loss. He expressed gratitude for the support he received from his wife, Cathy, his stepdaughter, Lauren, his WBTV family, and his fans. He also credited his faith in God for giving him strength and courage.

He passed away peacefully on August 31, 2023, surrounded by his loved ones. He is survived by his wife of eight years, Cathy Crump, his stepdaughter, Lauren Crump, his father, James Crump, his brother, Michael Crump, and his sister, Angela Crump.

A Legacy of Excellence and Compassion

Steve Crump will be remembered as a legendary journalist and filmmaker who dedicated his life to informing and educating the public. He will also be remembered as a compassionate and courageous person who touched the lives of many people with his kindness and generosity. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and viewers.

His funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 4, 2023, at 11 a.m. at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Charlotte. His burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance or the American Cancer Society in his memory.

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