Chris O'Connell joined the FOX 29 news team in September, 2010, as a general assignment reporter. A native of Wallingford, Delaware County, PA, Chris attended Strath Haven High School.
Chris moved back to the Philadelphia area from Minnesota, where he was an anchor and reporter for KSTP in St. Paul for three years. Prior to that, he was a sports anchor and reporter for ten years at Bay News 9 in Tampa, Florida, where he also hosted a half-hour nightly sports talk show.
Chris honed his reporting skills with stints at WTVR in Richmond, VA, where he was bureau chief and reporter for two years; WGAL and WLYH in Lancaster, PA; and WAMU-FM radio in Washington, D.C.
Chris has been nominated for several Emmy Awards including the EMMY for Outstanding General Assignment reporting in 2011. In addition, he's been honored by the Associated Press and Society of Professional Journalists for his reporting work throughout his career.
A graduate of Temple University in Philadelphia, Chris also worked at the University's WRTI radio station while completing his bachelor's degree in radio-television-film. He also spent a semester overseas in London working at the ABC News bureau.
He is very involved with The Friends of Alexander Deihl Foundation, a charity that helps families of terminally ill children. It was founded in honor of Chris' nephew, who suffers from the rare disease, Menke's Syndrome.
In his spare time, Chris spends time with his wife, twin daughters and yellow lab Murphy at his home in Delaware County, PA. He enjoys cooking and is a big fan of all the Philadelphia sports teams.
Sunday, May 19 2013 9:39 PM EDT2013-05-20 01:39:10 GMT
A text message that says "I'm about to leave" is the last time Janet Royer had contact with her son Thursday night. "It's like a nightmare, it's the worst nightmare anyone can think of. I keep thinking
A text message that says "I'm about to leave" is the last time Janet Royer had contact with her son Thursday night.
"It's like a nightmare, it's the worst nightmare anyone can think of. I keep thinking I'm going to wake up.. This is horrible" said Royer.
Tuesday, May 14 2013 8:31 PM EDT2013-05-15 00:31:38 GMT
Kermit Gosnell will spend the rest of his life in prison. The 72-year old abortion provider has waived his right to appeal the first-degree murder charge issued by a jury just one day ago.Dr. Kermit Gosnell
Kermit Gosnell will spend the rest of his life in prison. The 72-year old abortion provider has waived his right to appeal the first-degree murder charge issued by a jury just one day ago.
Monday, May 13 2013 7:03 AM EDT2013-05-13 11:03:57 GMT
It was a heartbreaking Mother's Day for the mom of a shooting victim gunned down on South Street as she travels to Philadelphia to identify the body of her son.
It was a heartbreaking Mother's Day for the mom of a shooting victim gunned down on South Street as she travels to Philadelphia to identify the body of her son.
Tuesday, April 16 2013 9:28 PM EDT2013-04-17 01:28:48 GMT
The shock of Monday's bombing at the Boston Marathon has turned to sadness and anger, but there is a new sense of community and patriotism among the people of Boston.
The shock of Monday's bombing at the Boston Marathon has turned to sadness and anger, but there is a new sense of community and patriotism among the people of Boston.
Tuesday, February 19 2013 4:00 PM EST2013-02-19 21:00:48 GMT
FOX 29 reporter Chris O'Connell is spending a week living on a food stamp budget to show the difficult choices some people have to make when they go to a grocery store.
FOX 29 reporter Chris O'Connell is spending a week living on a food stamp budget to show the difficult choices some people have to make when they go to a grocery store.
Tuesday, February 12 2013 10:12 PM EST2013-02-13 03:12:29 GMT
The police tape has been taken down and the windows damaged by bullets have been prepared as the New Castle County Courthouse is scheduled to reopen Wednesday.
The police tape has been taken down and the windows damaged by bullets have been prepared as the New Castle County Courthouse is scheduled to reopen Wednesday.
Thursday, September 13 2012 1:41 PM EDT2012-09-13 17:41:39 GMT
PECO'S multi-million dollar smart meter program shut down last week following fire and safety concerns. Now, as the energy giant re-evaluates the program, a new safety issue is being raised - are some
PECO'S multi-million dollar smart meter program shut down last week following fire and safety concerns. Now, as the energy giant re-evaluates the program, a new safety issue is being raised.
