Covering the news is never an easy job. While there are occasionally light-hearted stories that lift the spirits, the news is often weighty and grim. But every now and then, a story touches the heart of the anchor who is covering it. And this was the case with GMA‘s Gio this week as he covered an unimaginable tragedy playing out in Hawaii.

Gio Reports From A Dangerous Location

Good Morning America has been covering the tragic fires in Hawaii, like all major news outlets. This means that they have had a reporter on the ground in Maui, giving a first-hand account of how dangerous the situation is and how much heartbreak it is bringing to locals.

Michael Strahan - Robin Roberts - George Stephanopoulos - Gio Benitez - Good Morning America, Twitter
Michael Strahan – Robin Roberts – George Stephanopoulos – Gio Benitez – Good Morning America, Twitter

That reporter happens to be Gio Benitez. Gio was vacationing in Hawaii last Thursday with his husband when the fires broke out. Fires are still burning, and Gio is smack in the middle of it all, giving his first-hand account. He has reported about dangerous winds that have slowed efforts to extinguish the fire. And he has interviewed survivors and loved ones of those who perished as the fires consumed entire towns.

The ABC reporter told GMA that at least three fires are still burning, and dozens of people have died. More are feared dead, but conditions on the ground had complicated search and recovery efforts so the final total remains unknown.

On Monday, Gio spoke with his in-studio colleagues about what things are like in Maui currently. Robin Roberts told viewers that Gio has spent a lot of time vacationing in Hawaii.

GMA‘S Gio Benitez Breaks Down On The Air Over A Horrific Tragedy

Robin then noted, “In fact, you were on vacation in Maui, dropped everything, and went right to work. How are you?”

A teary-eyed Gio responded, “It’s incredible to see the spirit of ‘Aloha’ play out in real-time.” Gio began to choke up, and the visibly shaken anchor added, “I’m sorry, I’m getting emotional.” The GMA star praised the efforts that locals have engaged in to help their community and neighbors.

 

He mused, “You know, I’ve been watching here as Maui transforms from this island paradise to an island in crisis, and I’ve just gotta say, the strength we are witnessing here on the island right now is truly remarkable, guys.” He later added that in the midst of sadness, he has noticed many people “lift each other up.”

Have you been following Gio Benitez‘s coverage of the fires as he reports from Hawaii? Do you think it’s better when news networks report from the ground, or do they get in the way? Sound off in the comments. And catch Good Morning America every weekday morning on ABC.