Desmond Wingard Death and Obituary – The Montgomery, Alabama community is mourning the loss of Desmond Wingard, the respected News Director for WSFA 12 News, who passed away on October 30, 2025, at the age of 46 after a courageous battle with cancer. His passing marks the end of a remarkable career dedicated to truth, integrity, and the pursuit of quality journalism in Alabama.
Desmond Wingard spent his entire professional career with WSFA 12 News, the NBC affiliate in Montgomery. He joined the station in 1999, beginning as a producer before steadily rising through the newsroom ranks thanks to his leadership, work ethic, and deep understanding of storytelling. In 2022, he was promoted to News Director, a role in which he led the newsroom with vision, compassion, and a steadfast commitment to serving the public.
Over his 26-year career, Wingard became known not only as a talented journalist but also as a mentor and friend to many. His leadership helped guide WSFA through some of the state’s most significant news events, from severe weather coverage and political developments to community-driven stories that celebrated Alabama’s people and culture.
Colleagues remember him as a calm and thoughtful leader, someone who championed integrity in reporting and encouraged young journalists to pursue excellence. Many credit him for shaping the station’s reputation as one of the most trusted news sources in the region.
Beyond his newsroom achievements, Wingard was admired for his warmth, kindness, and unwavering sense of purpose. Friends and coworkers describe him as a man who approached every day with humility and gratitude, even as he faced his battle with cancer. His courage and perseverance inspired those around him, serving as a testament to his strength of character and love for his work.
His passing leaves a deep void not only within WSFA 12 News but also across the Montgomery community and the broader Alabama journalism landscape. Viewers and colleagues alike have expressed their condolences and shared memories of the positive influence he had on their lives.
Desmond Wingard’s legacy will continue through the countless stories he helped tell, the journalists he mentored, and the trust he built with his community. His life stands as a reminder of the power of local journalism and the dedication it takes to inform, uplift, and unite a community.
Funeral services and a full obituary are available through Leak Memory Chapel in Montgomery, which is handling the arrangements. The WSFA family and the Montgomery community are expected to come together to celebrate his life and contributions in the coming days.
Wingard’s impact on Alabama news will be remembered for generations to come — not only for his professional excellence but for the heart and humanity he brought to every story he touched.
