Following the death of Bob Barry, Jr., the beloved sports director for KFOR News in Oklahoma, a local rival station, KOCO News, helped to staff the Channel 4 newsroom so that employees could attend his funeral service Friday.
The second-generation sportscaster was killed in a car accident after his motor scooter collided with a car on June 20. Respect and reverence for Barry was emulated by KOCO, Channel 5, whose staff issued their thoughts and prayers for the late director, going above and beyond on the day of his funeral.
"On Monday, KFOR anchor Lauren Cavanaugh tweeted that KOCO's general manager offered to staff the newsroom so that Barry's colleagues could attend the service" reported the local affiliate TulsaWorld.
Thousands of people attended the funeral for Barry Jr. last Friday, sharing both tears and laughs during the two hour service at Community Church in Oklahoma City.
KFOR-TV reached out to its local media affiliates via a Facebook post, thanking them for their efforts.
"It was an incredible service and we give thanks to our colleagues for their tremendous assistance during this difficult time," KFOR said in the statement.