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Les Smith: ‘I didn’t quit the news business; I quit life’

Posted at 7:10 PM, Apr 24, 2013
and last updated 2013-04-26 06:02:40-04

Norfolk, Va. - Who could forget Les Smith and his flawless delivery in the aftermath of the Suffolk tornadoes in 2008?

Les and I go way back, we anchored together in the 1980's.

We've shared the triumphs and travels that come with the news business in our public and personal lives, but what I didn't know, is my friend of more than 20 years was experiencing a personal turmoil as powerful as that Suffolk storm.

"I didn't quit the news business; I quit life,” says Smith.

Exclusive: Les Smith talks about new career, new outlook on life

He disappeared from the airwaves without explanation. No one knew why. One day he just didn't come back to work.

When he re-emerged, it was as if his personal screen went dark.

"I ended up in a hospital in NYC, where I was working, and I really wanted to die. I was trying to die, because I was that depressed. I didn't want to go on anymore,” says Smith.

Les was pulled back from the brink of self-destruction.

Tonight at 11 he sits down in an exclusive interview, sharing a journey that took him from the darkness to the light.

It`s a testimony you won`t want to miss!