Veteran Indiana Meteorologist Fired After 40 Years Amid 'Creepy' Relationship Reports

Jesse Walker, a veteran meteorologist with over 40 years at WTWO in Terre Haute, Indiana, has been abruptly fired by the Nexstar-owned station. His departure comes months after station insiders described his relationship with a much younger colleague as "creepy."

Walker had already announced plans to leave WTWO on October 2nd to start his own weather company with former station meteorologist Alex Kerkhove, according to industry newsletter FTVLive. However, the station accelerated his exit, informing Walker that his final day had already passed and denying him an on-air farewell.

Kerkhove posted on social media expressing her disappointment with the station's handling of Walker's departure. "Jesse Walker! I am sorry that the station treated someone that has dedicated his entire career to serving a community like they did," she wrote. Kerkhove praised Walker's mentorship and support, calling him her "station dad" and expressing gratitude for his friendship. She concluded by stating, "Sorry leaving wasn’t on your terms, but your legacy as the chief meteorologist is something they can never take away."

The abrupt firing follows a period of turmoil surrounding Walker and Kerkhove. Kerkhove, a meteorologist who joined WTWO after college, departed the station earlier this year. While Kerkhove stated she was fired, Nexstar maintained she was not. Following her exit, anonymous station insiders reportedly told FTVLive that Walker had shown a strong interest in Kerkhove before she was hired and that their interactions became increasingly close once she joined the station.

Insiders described Walker and Kerkhove as being "obsessed with each other" and "attached at the hip." One source told FTVLive, "I have no idea if these two were romantically involved, but he’s like 40 years older than her. It was very creepy."

FTVLive reported that while the exact nature of their relationship was unclear, some insiders felt it was not a typical professional dynamic between a supervisor and a junior employee. Both Walker and Kerkhove have characterized their relationship as a mentorship and friendship. Kerkhove had previously claimed that WTWO management limited her interactions with Walker, allegedly stating she could only speak with him for 15 to 20 minutes due to management monitoring.

Walker had publicly defended Kerkhove after her departure, calling her "one of the best meteorologists I’ve had the pleasure of working with." He hinted that the station's treatment of Kerkhove had influenced his own decision about his future. Kerkhove referred to Walker as "my rock" and stated he had "fought for me time and time again."

Walker and Kerkhove continued to spend time together after her departure from WTWO, including a river trip documented by Walker on Facebook. His subsequent announcement to leave WTWO on October 2nd and launch a new company with Kerkhove was reported by FTVLive.

A Nexstar spokesperson stated, "Several weeks ago, Jesse Walker asked to be released from his contract with WTWO, and WTWO decided to honor Jesse’s request." The spokesperson added that the station "internally celebrated Jesse’s achievements and contributions" and created an on-air tribute that aired September 30th. Regarding Kerkhove, the spokesperson said, "WTWO-TV did not terminate the employment of Alex Kerkhove and repeatedly asked her to return to work. She chose not to do so. As this is a personnel matter, we will have no further comment."