01/09/2025
Kevin Rowson, reporter at 11Alive for 22 years, died unexpectedly on Saturday, August 30th. Kevin is fondly remembered by his 11Alive family as a dedicated storyteller, trusted colleague, and beloved family man.
With over three decades in news, Kevin built a reputation as one of Atlanta’s most respected reporters, known for his tenacity, compassion, and integrity. He began his media career in radio in the mid-1970s, then transitioned to television. First at WCSC-TV in Charleston, SC, then on to WWOR-TV in Secaucus, NJ, and WNBC in New York City. Rowson arrived in Atlanta in 1994 to join WXIA-TV, 11Alive.
Kevin had a passion for telling stories about crime in the city and had a gift for connecting with victims and their families. His extensive sources in law enforcement always kept him one step ahead of the competition. Rowson said his most memorable story at 11 Alive was covering the 1996 Centennial Olympic Park bombing, the aftermath, and the capture and conviction of Eric Rudolph.
In 2016, Kevin left 11Alive as part of a company buyout of longtime employees. He told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution he was thankful for his time at 11Alive. “They allowed me to do what I love, which is to tell stories.”
That same year, Kevin was inducted into the Southeast Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences’ Silver Circle – an honor recognizing over 25 years of broadcast excellence.
A few months later, Kevin embarked on a second career that capitalized on his storytelling expertise and deep understanding of law enforcement. He accepted a role as a Public Affairs Specialist for the FBI’s Atlanta Field Office, trading in his reporter’s notepad for a position as a spokesperson. Kevin especially treasured the more regular hours that allowed him to spend more time with his family.
Recently retired, Kevin enjoyed trips to Europe with his wife, Karen, as well as golf, attending professional sports events, and sharing a glass of beer with friends. Kevin frequently attended 11Alive reunion gatherings to reconnect with former colleagues.
Kevin had been suffering from a lingering infection for the past few weeks. Tragically, things took a turn for the worse this Labor Day weekend. Kevin passed away Saturday while being rushed to Kennestone Hospital in an ambulance. Kevin was seventy-two.
Please keep his wife, Karen, adult children, Alec and Sydney, their partners, and the rest of Kevin’s family in your thoughts and prayers.
There will be a visitation on Friday, Sept. 5th, from 5 to 7 PM at Mayes Ward Dobbins Funeral Home in Marietta, followed by a funeral at 11 AM on Saturday, Sept. 6, at St. Catherine’s of Siena in Kennesaw and a Celebration of Life at 12:30-3:30PM at Hudson Grill in Kennesaw.
