Rapid City Mourns the Loss of Long-time KOTA Meteorologist

Photo by Jack Siebold
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Courtesy Photo from KOTA Territory News


The Rapid City community is mourning the loss of Eric Gardner, the morning and noon meteorologist for KOTA Territory News, who passed away some time Monday evening.

A fixture at the television station since 2002, Gardner was known for his dedication to providing weather updates, drawing on his prior experience in Montana, Wyoming, and Texas.

However, his passions extended beyond meteorology; Gardner was also a prominent figure in the region’s culinary and wine scenes. He enthusiastically shared his expertise through cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, and two decades of food and wine segments on KOTA Territory News.

KOTA Territory General Manager Chris Gross remembered Gardner fondly, saying, “Eric was always a joy to be around. He loved the weather, loved wine and food and loved our viewers. His passing will leave a big void in our hearts.”

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Rapid City, US
9:49 pm, May 1, 2025
temperature icon 44°F
scattered clouds
76 %
1018 mb
17 mph
Clouds: 40%
Visibility: 6 mi
Sunrise: 5:43 am
Sunset: 7:55 pm

Finance.

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