Oklahoma Native Reported To Be Among Journalists Missing In Libya

One of the four New York Times journalists reported missing in Libya is a native of Oklahoma City, according to friends and family.

Wednesday, March 16th 2011, 4:34 pm

By: News 9


News9.com

OKLAHOMA CITY -- One of the four New York Times journalists reported missing in Libya is a native of Oklahoma City, according to friends and family.

Anthony Shadid is a Pulitzer-Prize-winning reporter and the Beirut bureau chief for The New York Times, according to The New York Times website.

Shadid and the three other missing journalists, reporter Stephen Farrell and photographers Tyler Hicks and Lynsey Addario, were reported missing on March 16.

The Times said there were unconfirmed reports that Libyan forces had detained the foursome.

"We're all very edgy. We're all very frightened. We're just hoping for the best. The New York Times is an institution and we would hope the Libyan government would think twice before doing something," said Ed Shadid, Anthony's cousin.

Anthony's father, Buddy, said he spoke with his son on Monday and that he sounded very tired. Buddy said he wanted his son to leave a week ago, but that was not able to happen.

"There were eight of us who were very close in age and we did everything together growing up here in Oklahoma City," said Ed Shadid.

Anthony attended school at Heritage Hall. He then spent one year at OU where he wrote for the Oklahoma Daily, before graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

"He's a remarkable, remarkable young man who just excelled in everything and wanted to know more about everything," said Lynne Roller, a former teacher.

Ellen Knickmeyer also worked with him at the Associated Press and is now also stationed in Beirut.

"I'm very worried about him but right now I'm optimistic," said Knickmeyer.

Moammar Gadhafi's son said once they figure out where the journalists are located, they will be released.

Buddy said he encourages everyone to pray that the four journalists make it home safely.

Anthony Shadid's parents still live in Oklahoma. He has a wife, a nine-year-old daughter and a six-month-old son in Beirut.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

logo

Get The Daily Update!

Be among the first to get breaking news, weather, and general news updates from News 9 delivered right to your inbox!

More Like This

March 16th, 2011

March 22nd, 2024

March 14th, 2024

February 9th, 2024

Top Headlines

March 28th, 2024

March 28th, 2024

March 28th, 2024

March 28th, 2024