'Our Go-To Guy': Fans, Colleague Honor Beloved Manhattan Weatherman In Terminal Fight

MANHATTAN, IL — Mike Caplan can easily remember the first time he heard mention of Dan Casper.

Caplan, meteorologist for Fox 32, was leading a live weather segment on social media, when commenters began alerting him that there was a tornado warning in Will County.

Dan Casper at Manhattan Weather Channel had said so, they chided.

"My relationship with him started in a sort of acrimonious way," Caplan said, laughing softly.

"'Who the hell is this guy?!" he remembers thinking.

Seemingly, Casper had issued a tornado warning that Caplan himself had not been aware of, and one that possibly wasn't accurate.

Caplan stood corrected the next day.

"The National Weather Service the following day did an assessment, and by God, there was a tornado," Caplan said, chuckling. "I asked him not to issue unilateral tornado warnings anymore. But told him good job on catching one."

Early exchanges like that one sparked a friendship speckled with coffee meetings, shared spotlights on live feeds, professional guidance and banter. Caplan last spoke with Casper via text Friday, Feb. 14. Casper had been hospitalized to treat breathing issues believed to be caused in part by RSV. He has since been diagnosed with terminal lung cancer, a condition friends believe he has known about for some time, but did not share publicly. He will soon enter hospice care.

Friends Mike Adrieansen and wife Laura have started a GoFundMe in support of Casper, who fans say has worked tirelessly to update residents at every turn in the weather. Funds will be used to cover medical expenses and other needs.

"Dan has been a longtime friend of ours, and over the years, we’ve seen him dedicate himself to the Manhattan community—not for money, but for the safety and love of his community," Mike and Laura Adrieansen said.

Casper started Manhattan Weather Channel in 2011, "for the sole purpose of keeping our area safe and informed about hazardous weather occurring, or forecast to occur in our area," his LinkedIn reads. His dedication to the page and the audience he serves are unmatched, Caplan added.

"The fact that he was, at his core, always trying to first and foremost serve his audience, and then, if possible, make a few bucks along the way ... — his priority was helping people," Caplan said. "There are a lot of people I refer to as 'armchair meteorologists', their first and foremost goal is followers, clicks, views. ... I have no respect for those people.

"Dan, I have tremendous respect for."

As followers of the Manhattan Weather Channel learned of his prognosis, support poured onto the page so many have relied upon for their weather updates.

"I’ve only lived here for going on 7 years, but within my first few weeks here I was lucky enough to meet Dan and befriend him, and see what a tremendous asset he is to this amazing community," said Michael Krajewski. "Losing Dan will feel like losing a part of this town, and my heart is absolutely broken with this horrible news.

"Dan is a pillar in this community and deserves all the recognition for his endless contributions to Manhattan and surrounding communities."

Casper's devotion was clear, and gained him a following that transcended well beyond Manhattan. He is humble, and grateful for his followers—often taking time to thank them for supporting his page. Casper, 60, sought engagement, using his personal voice to speak to followers and connect with them beyond the essential information.

"He took it seriously," Caplan said. "That’s the reason for the popularity that he had. … He was just 'folk.' People identified with him, he was natural.

"Passion and connection to the community—there’s no substitute for that. It clearly reached much farther than that one Will County hamlet. A lot of people in the south suburbs relied on him."

Follower Kim Wrona spoke of his commitment to keeping people informed.

"I’ll never trust anyone like I do Dan for keeping us informed with all weather related news," she said. "His knowledge and enthusiasm of weather are not only entertaining but so accurate! This is such heartbreaking news. Let’s see a miracle!"

Casper was also a dog lover, and an avid supporter of Cache Creek Rescue, a no-kill shelter located inside Alsip Nursery in Frankfort. A portion of proceeds raised through the GoFundMe will be donated to the rescue in his name, Adrieansen said.

"... While most of us never had the opportunity to meet him in person, we welcomed him with open arms and think of him as a close dear friend," said Lisa Stramacchia on the Manhattan Weather Channel page. "I hope he truly realizes how impactful his never ending kindness has been and his passion for all things (including the weather) has greatly changed our lives for the better.

"Dan, we truly loved having you be our go-to guy for all things that keep us safe and for making this world a better place. Life will never be the same without you."

Casper's sense of obligation to his viewership ran deep, Caplan said—his last post on the Manhattan Weather Channel page was just before 7 p.m. Feb. 14.

"Who's getting snow?" he prompted followers.

Several hours later, he was placed on a ventilator, where he has remained since.

"He was in the hospital, and he still was doing what was best for the people," Caplan said.

Caplan last texted Casper in the playfully taunting nature that had become so common between them.

"I said, 'you better get your act together soon, so we can argue about another forecast,'" Caplan said.

"We loved the banter back and forth; it was always good-natured. I’m gonna miss that."

Caplan also plans to donate to Cache Creek, in Casper's name.

Those seeking to make a donation toward Dan, without fees, can visit BMO Bank's Manhattan location, 505 South State St., and indicate it is for it is for Dan Casper's Fund (9804).