Goddard signs multiyear deal to stay at Channel 8

Channel 8's Dick Goddard is in the hospital after suffering a fall Thursday night.

(Scott Shaw, Plain Dealer file)

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Cleveland broadcasting legend Dick Goddard is in the hospital Friday after a fall at his home Thursday evening. The longtime WJW Channel 8 weatherman was returning home from the Cleveland Animal Protective League telethon, where he had helped to raise more than $140,000.

The station's website confirms that Goddard, 85, suffered a hip fracture.

Surgery on Friday to repair the hip was successful and the veteran meteorologist was resting comfortably.

Reached by station executives by phone Friday morning, he was asked if there was anything they could do for him. Goddard responded, "Get the Browns a quarterback."

The station says that his doctors expect Goddard to make a full recovery.

Channel 8 released a statement: "Dick wants everyone to know that he'll be OK and he appreciates the support and caring wishes. Dick hopes everyone will continue to care for the 'four-foots' of our area while he is on the mend."

The surgery puts in question Goddard's attendance at the 44th annual Woollybear Festival, Sunday, Oct. 2, in Vermilion.

Goddard announced in May that he would be ending his epic 55-year run as a weatherman in November. He made his television debut on May 1, 1961. That was as a 30-year-old weatherman at KYW Channel 3 (now WKYC). The Akron native and Green High School graduate signed with Channel 8 in 1966.

Updated at 5:00 p.m.