LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: ‘Good Morning America’ weekend host Gio Benitez has been at the center of all the action in Maui, Hawaii, delivering extensive coverage on the massive wildfires that nearly destroyed the island.
After spending a lot of time covering the wildfires, the 37-year-old finally opened up about his harrowing experience in an Instagram post.
Maui was hit by the deadliest wildfires in US history, destroying thousands of acres of land.
Gio was vacationing on the island a week before the fires broke out and was asked by his producers to report the news. After seeing the extent of the destruction, Gio could no longer hold back his feelings and let it all out in an emotional piece.
‘GMA’ Gio Benitez's heartbreaking post on Maui wildfires
The ‘GMA’ host wrote a lengthy post detailing all that he’s been through recently while covering the disaster in Maui.
Gio added several photos from his time as a reporter, including a beautiful sunset when he didn't know about the fires.
He also posted a few snaps of him interacting with the locals dealing with the impact of the fires and explained how ‘GMA’ had raised over a million dollars in aid through its coverage.
Gio wrote, “Like so many on the island, @tommydidario and I had no idea Lahaina was already burning, until a slew of midnight phone calls from my @goodmorningamerica Executive Producer @sswinkgma and Sr. Broadcast Producer @peteaustin5 concerned for my safety.”
He added, “I could hear the fear in her voice when I finally heard the phone. We immediately went to work. Over the past week, we have felt all of the emotions as we met survivors and heroes, while also seeing the devastation for ourselves.”
The ‘GMA’ host seemed inconsolable through his words but managed to capture his emotions.
He further stated, “All of the heartaches culminated into a beautiful and soulful special edition of GMA this morning called “Maui Strong,” where we helped raise over a million dollars for relief efforts.”
He ended his heartfelt message with, “It was a time for reflection, but also a time to look at the best in humanity, and allowed us — even for a brief moment — to smile. Mahalo to you, and to all of those who opened their hearts to us on Maui. I’ll see you this weekend on GMA.”
Fans say Gio Benitez deserves an Emmy Award
After his post on Instagram, Gio Benitez's fans, who had been following all his updates, rushed to console him and praise him for his efforts in reporting the fires.
One fan wrote, “You made me cry with you. Have you decided where to put the Emmy? Get some sleep on the flight” while another fan said, “You are a true professional with a lot of heart, feelings, and emotions. You are your honest self and we all love you for you.”
A third fan mentioned, “Thank you for putting so much energy into the work you do. The birdie at the end. Spirit renewed.”
A fourth one praised, “All of these stories and your raw vulnerability made all the difference.”
His co-host Rebecca Jarvis also chimed in with a beautiful remark, “From the start, you’ve handled this story with great care and heart. So proud of you and the team.”
Another fan captured Gio’s work beautifully and said, “As always, incredible reporting and thank you for sharing the sorrow and hope in an authentic and respectful way.”
