NBC Washington’s Chopper 4 photographer and reporter Brad Freitas passed away earlier this week at the age of 42.
Freitas worked at NBC 4 for eight years and was a two-time Emmy-award winner. As the station’s “eye in the sky,” he covered events ranging from traffic accidents to escaped zebras roaming in Price George’s County. Freitas also revealed the Commanders name inside of FedEx Field the night before the team officially announced its rebranding.
Freitas leaves behind a wife and young daughter. The family will be hosting a private memorial service of close friends and family to honor Brad’s life and legacy and are asking that donations be made in Brad’s name to local animal shelters.
NBC Washington shared the following tribute on Friday morning:
Courtesy https://www.keeneybasford.com/obituary/bradley-freitas:
Bradley Robert Freitas, 42, of Frederick, Maryland, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, December 12th. Brad was born September 28th, 1981 to Bob and Cathy Freitas. Growing up in Sterling, Virginia, he graduated in 1999 from Potomac Falls High School where he was involved with both the wrestling and football programs.
Upon moving to Frederick, MD, he worked various jobs in the food and service industry, most notably as a bartender at Bushwaller’s Pub and manager of Tauraso’s. He attended Towson University where he graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Electronic Media and Film.Brad was an accomplished photojournalist and reporter with over a decade of service to Helicopter’s Incorporated and NBC Washington. Being awarded two Emmys for his excellent work, he was fondly known to viewers as News Chopper Brad.Always generous, Brad was known to help those in need, whether they were strangers or close friends. Brad was always the life of the party ensuring everyone around him had a good laugh. He will always be remembered for his big heart and great sense of humor.Brad was a devoted father to his daughter, Olivia. They loved sharing new experiences such as going to the Fountain Rock Nature Preserve to feed the turtles, visiting the National Aquarium, and starting gymnastics lessons. He also enjoyed teaching her to play the harmonica and sing his favorite song “You’ve Got a Friend” by James Taylor.In addition to being survived by his beloved daughter, he is also survived by his wife Kara Freitas, his father Bob Freitas and his wife Allison. Along with his sister Sarah Waldron and her husband Wes, his brother Steven and his wife Erin. He will also be remembered and cherished by his nieces and nephews – Catherine, Arthur, Joseph, Reid, Sydney, Emma, and Isla. Along with countless other close friends and family that will miss him dearly.The family will be having a private memorial service of close friends and family to honor Brad’s life and legacy. We ask that donations be made in Brad’s name to your local animal shelter.
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