Sam Champion, the beloved weatherman from Good Morning America, was hospitalized for emergency heart surgery after health concerns arose during a routine nuclear stress test. On Sunday, March 22, the 64-year-old media personality shared a reassuring post from his hospital bed following the procedure. Despite undergoing surgery, Champion appeared in good spirits, smiling and waving to the camera.
Champion thanked the medical team at Mount Sinai Medical Center, including Dr. Stam Lerakis, Dr. Sharma, and the nurses at Fuster Heart Hospital, for their care. He explained in his Instagram post, “Many of you know I had a nuclear stress test last Thursday. And we found some things that needed to be taken care of so today. I went in to the cardiac catheterization laboratory….. and we took care of it. Thanks to these procedures. I am well and expected to make a full recovery. ❤️.”
Champion also shared a selfie from his hospital bed on his Instagram Story, writing, “After: a little work then back to normal.”
His colleagues and friends offered their support in the comments section. Robin Roberts, a GMA co-host, wrote, “You know here if you need anything at all! Speedy recovery on the way! ❤️.” Meteorologist Dani Beckstrom added, “I need to visit the cardiac care center after seeing this 😭 SO glad you are okay. We need you around for 26385926385 more years.” Today show host Al Roker also sent his well wishes, saying, “Sam The Man. Glad you are on the mend, my friend.”
Champion had previously undergone surgery in October 2024 to remove basal cell carcinoma, a form of skin cancer, from beneath his eye. Despite these health challenges, Champion’s fans and colleagues are relieved to hear he is expected to make a full recovery after this latest procedure.
