Chris O'Connell
Chris O'Connell joined the FOX 29 News team in September 2010 as a general assignment reporter. He also co-anchors the Friday evening newscasts.
After spending 20 years reporting for TV news outlets around the country, Chris moved back home to Philadelphia from Minnesota, where he was an anchor and reporter for KSTP in St. Paul. 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.
In addition to an Emmy Award for Outstanding General Assignment Reporting, Chris has 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 worked at WRTI-FM while completing his bachelor's degree in radio-television-film. He spent a semester overseas in London, working at the ABC News bureau. He grew up on Wallingford, Delaware County, PA, and attended Strath Haven High School.
Chris is very involved with The Friends of Alexander Deihl Foundation, a charity helping families of terminally ill children. It was founded in honor of Chris' "Superman" nephew, who suffers from the rare disease, Menke's Syndrome. Chris also serves on the Board of Directors for the Epilepsy Foundation of Eastern Pennsylvania.
In his spare time, Chris spends time with his wife, twin daughters and yellow lab Chester at his home in Delaware County, Pa. He enjoys cooking and is a big fan of all the Philadelphia sports teams. Chris' "career highlight" came in February 2018 when he traveled to Minneapolis to cover the Eagles victory in Super Bowl LVII.
The latest from Chris O'Connell
Cobbs Creek Golf Club reopens in Philadelphia with new driving range, Tiger Woods short course
Cobbs Creek Golf Club in Philadelphia has reopened after over five years and a $180 million renovation, featuring new facilities, community programs, and ongoing course construction.
Man faces nearly 500 charges for stealing human remains in grave robbery case
Jonathan Gerlach appeared in Delaware County court to face hundreds of charges related to stolen human remains from Mount Moriah Cemetery, with new charges filed and some dropped.
Philly illegal dumping site in Tacony neighborhood prompts city cleanup plan
Residents in Philadelphia's Tacony neighborhood report ongoing illegal dumping, prompting city officials to plan a cleanup behind Pennway Street, though no timeline has been set.
Grays Ferry supermarket reopens as cleanup continues after deadly garage collapse
Streets and stores near the deadly Grays Ferry parking garage collapse site in Philadelphia have reopened nearly a week after the incident, as cleanup and demolition continue and the community begins to return to normal.
Philadelphia partial building collapse: 2 bodies recovered from rubble of demolished parking garage
The bodies of two workers who perished when a stair tower of a Philadelphia parking garage collapsed last week were pulled from the demolished remains of the former seven-story building.
New exhibit in Philly showcases the Declaration of Independence, related artifacts
The American Philosophical Society in Philadelphia has opened a new exhibition showcasing the Declaration of Independence and related artifacts, running from April 10, 2026 to January 3, 2027.
Philly parking garage collapse: 1 confirmed dead, 2 presumed dead as search shifts to recovery
City officials, led by Mayor Parker, provided an update on the emergency response and ongoing investigation following the collapse of a parking garage under construction near 30th Street and Grays Ferry Avenue in South Philadelphia, which resulted in one confirmed death and two individuals still missing that are presumed dead.
South Jersey launches summer events for America's 250th birthday
South Jersey is preparing a series of events and initiatives to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, aiming to attract visitors and highlight the region's historical significance.
Pennsylvania prepares for record summer of major events, $40M in new funding
Pennsylvania is preparing for a historic summer of major events, significant tourism campaigns, and substantial economic impact, supported by new state funding.
Philadelphia students learn drone skills with police during spring break camp
Students at GW Childs School in Point Breeze spent the first day of Spring Break learning to fly drones as part of a spring camp, in partnership with the Philadelphia Police drone unit.