Erika Erickson WDIV Local 4 News Bio, Wiki, Age, Husband, Illness

Erika Erickson Biography: WDIV Local 4 News Reporter on Her Comeback and Health Journey

Erika Erickson is an acclaimed American Emmy Award-winning journalist known for her investigative reporting and general assignment work in Detroit’s media landscape.

After a three-year hiatus from on-air journalism to address health challenges, Erickson made a triumphant return in late 2024, joining WDIV Local 4 News/ClickOnDetroit as a reporter for “The Investigators” team.

Her career highlights include five Emmy wins during her tenure at Fox 2 Detroit (WJBK), where she covered breaking news, cold cases, and social issues.

Erickson’s resilient journey—from early radio gigs in Traverse City to her current role at Local 4—reflects her passion for storytelling, advocacy for health awareness, and commitment to Michigan communities.

Early Life and Education

Originally from Canton Township, Michigan, Erika grew up with a strong sense of community and curiosity about the world around her.

She pursued her passion for media and storytelling at Wayne State University, where she earned her degree and began laying the groundwork for her future in broadcast journalism.

Career Journey

Early Career:

Erika began her broadcasting journey in Traverse City, Michigan, where she worked in local radio and television for three years.

Her authentic storytelling and strong on-air presence quickly gained attention, paving the way for her move to Detroit.

Rise to Prominence at FOX 2 Detroit:

In 2013, she joined WJBK-TV (FOX 2 Detroit) as a reporter, where she spent eight impactful years covering breaking news, community stories, and cold cases.

Her dedication to truth and accuracy earned her five Emmy Awards, establishing her as one of Detroit’s most respected journalists.

Career Hiatus and Public Relations Work:

In November 2021, Erika stepped away from broadcast journalism to address serious health challenges.

During this time, she transitioned into public relations, first serving as Director of Communications for the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office and later working with Henry Ford Health.

These roles allowed her to continue using her voice to serve the public in new and meaningful ways.

Return to WDIV Local 4 News:

In late 2024, Erika triumphantly returned to television as a reporter for WDIV-TV (Local 4 News) and member of “The Investigators” team.

She now appears on Local 4’s newscasts at 4 p.m., 5 p.m., and 6 p.m., where she continues to tell the stories that matter most to Michigan residents.

Health Journey and Personal Resilience

Erika’s decision to step away from TV stemmed from serious health struggles, including cervicogenic headaches, trigeminal neuralgia, intractable migraines, spinal stenosis, and hypertension-related mini-strokes.

These challenges, compounded by exhaustion and stress, forced her to re-evaluate her life and well-being.

Through determination and recovery, Erika emerged stronger and more self-aware.

She has been open about her healing journey, her experience with trauma and domestic violence, her commitment to sobriety, and the personal growth that followed.

Her story of perseverance continues to inspire audiences beyond the newsroom.

Advocacy and Community Involvement

Beyond journalism, Erika is deeply committed to community service. She supports organizations such as First Step, which assists survivors of domestic violence, and Detroit Dog Rescue, reflecting her compassion for both people and animals.

She has also participated in Covenant House’s annual sleep-out, an event raising awareness and funds for youth homelessness. Her advocacy work underscores her belief that storytelling can drive empathy and change.

Erika Erickson Age:

Erika Erickson is 41 years old as of 2025 (born June 21, 1984). Her zodiac sign is Cancer. She is of Caucasian ethnicity and holds American nationality.

Erika Erickson Parents and Siblings:

Erika Erickson was raised in Canton Township, Michigan, in a close-knit family with strong ties to military service and community values.

Her father, Erik Erickson, and grandfather, William Lumley, were both Navy veterans; her father passed away on December 16, 2013.

Her mother, Cynthia Erickson, provided a nurturing home environment. As the fourth of five children, Erika grew up alongside siblings Daniel Erickson, Kris Erickson, Matthew Erickson, and Nathalie Erickson.

Her upbringing emphasized resilience, family support, and public service, influences that later shaped her journalistic pursuits and personal advocacy.

Erika Erickson Husband:

Erika Erickson maintains a private personal life and has not publicly confirmed any current husband or long-term partner.

Past rumors, such as a brief link to Matt Lombardi, remain unverified and unsubstantiated. She has shared insights into past “awful relationships” as part of her broader health and growth narrative but focuses primarily on her career and family in public discussions.

Erika Erickson Height:

Erika Erickson high school:

Erika Erickson attended Plymouth-Canton High School in Canton Township, Michigan, where she graduated with the Class of 2002.

The school, part of the Plymouth-Canton Educational Park (PCEP), is known for its strong academic programs and community involvement.

After high school, Erika briefly attended Schoolcraft College, where she explored various career options before discovering her passion for storytelling and media.

She later pursued that passion at Wayne State University in Detroit, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Broadcast Journalism—a foundation that launched her successful career in television news.

Erika Erickson Local 4 New Career Timeline:

• 2003–2006: Enrolled at Schoolcraft College, earning an Associate’s Degree in Liberal Arts; contributed to The MacGuffin Itinerary Magazine and made the Dean’s List.

• 2007–2009: Majored in Broadcast Journalism at Wayne State University, graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree; interned at Fox 2 Detroit (WJBK), assisting with newscasts.

• 2009–2010: Began career in Traverse City, Michigan, as a reporter and radio host at WTCM-FM and NEWSTALK 580; launched an online daily news show and filled in as a TV anchor at WPBN-TV 7&4 and WGTU ABC 29&8.

• 2010–2013: Served as promotional model for One Source Talent Modeling and Acting Agency while transitioning to full-time TV.

• 2013–2021: Joined Fox 2 Detroit (WJBK) as a general assignment reporter and anchor for 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. newscasts; earned five Emmy Awards for investigative work on cold cases, murders, and community issues; hosted charity events raising over $226,000 for Michigan Blood’s “Be the Match” program.

• November 2021–2023: Stepped away from TV due to health reasons; served as Director of Communications for Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, then transitioned to public relations at Henry Ford Health.

• October 2024–Present: Returned to broadcast journalism as a general assignment reporter for WDIV Local 4 News/ClickOnDetroit; focuses on investigative stories for “The Investigators” team; weekdays on air and online.

Erika Erickson’s colleagues at WDIV Local 4 News include a mix of veteran anchors, rising reporters, and recent hires like Ty Steele, who joined the station around the same time as Erika in late 2024.

Here’s a snapshot of her current and notable colleagues at WDIV Local 4 News/ClickOnDetroit:

Notable Colleagues at WDIV Local 4

• Devin Scillian – Veteran anchor and journalist, known for his long-standing presence on Local 4 and his work as a country music artist and author.

• Kim DeGiulio – Traffic reporter and anchor, known for her upbeat style and community engagement.

• Rhonda Walker – Morning anchor, a respected figure in Detroit journalism and founder of the Rhonda Walker Foundation.

• Jason Colthorp – Evening anchor and reporter, often seen covering major breaking news and political stories.

• Karen Drew – Investigative reporter and anchor, known for her “Defenders” series and in-depth reporting.

• Ty Steele – Recent hire from Sacramento, brought in as an anchor in 2024 alongside Erika’s return.

Erika’s return to TV was met with enthusiasm from her colleagues, many of whom welcomed her publicly on social media and in newsroom features.

Her blend of experience, empathy, and Detroit roots makes her a natural fit among this seasoned and community-focused team.

Erika Erickson Podcast

The ML Soul of Detroit podcast is a weekly news and commentary show hosted by M.L. Elrick, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and longtime fixture in Detroit media.

Known for its mix of investigative insight, sharp humor, and local flavor, the podcast offers listeners a candid look at life and politics in the Motor City.

About the Podcast

Hosted by M.L. Elrick, the show features weekly episodes filled with news analysis, interviews, behind-the-scenes stories, and Detroit-centric discussions.

Recorded in Elrick’s basement studio, the podcast blends serious journalism with lighthearted banter, creating a conversational and engaging tone.

Regular Co-Hosts & Guests

• Marc Fellhauer – Veteran Detroit radio personality.

• Shawn Windsor – Detroit Free Press columnist.

• Erika Erickson – Frequent guest and contributor, often appearing since her return to television journalism.

Notable Episodes (as of October 2025)

• “Stay Out of the Water” – July 1, 2025: ML checks in from Burt Lake with Erika joining the discussion.

• “Detroit’s Drag Race” – June 24, 2025: A lively dive into the latest Detroit mayoral drama.

• “Deadline USA” – June 17, 2025: Erika Erickson joins ML and Marc for an animated studio chat.

• “RoboCrap” – June 10, 2025: The team debates the ongoing saga of Detroit’s RoboCop statue.

Where to Listen

The ML Soul of Detroit podcast is available on:

• Apple Podcasts

• Spotify

• Podbay

Erika Erickson Weight Loss:

Erika Erickson’s weight loss was a key aspect of her broader health recovery journey following her 2021 diagnosis.

While specific figures are not detailed, she has openly discussed shedding pounds through medical intervention, lifestyle changes, and addressing underlying issues like cervicogenic headaches that contributed to chronic pain and fatigue.

In interviews, she credits her doctor, Lauren A. Aymen, DO, for diagnosing and treating the root causes, combined with mental health focus, exercise, and nutrition.

Erickson has framed this as part of a holistic transformation, emphasizing sustainability over quick fixes, and has inspired fans by sharing before-and-after glimpses on social media. She returned to TV noticeably slimmer and healthier in late 2024.

Erika Erickson Illness:

In 2021, Erika Erickson was diagnosed with cervicogenic headaches—a debilitating condition originating in the neck that radiates severe pain to the head—leading to extreme chronic headaches, fatigue, and mental health challenges including depression.

The physical demands of TV reporting exacerbated her symptoms, prompting her to leave Fox 2 after eight years.

She described months off work as “getting real, really fast,” with symptoms so intense she couldn’t function daily.

Under Dr. Lauren A. Aymen’s care, she underwent targeted treatments that resolved the issues, allowing her full recovery by 2024.

Erickson has since advocated for chronic pain awareness, noting in a 2024 WRIF interview: “I’m not the only person who has had health struggles… Keep fighting one day at a time.” She returned to WDIV feeling “grounded and healthy.”

Erika Erickson Net Worth and Salary:

Erika Erickson’s estimated net worth is approximately $1 million as of 2025, accumulated through her journalism career, modeling, public relations roles, and Emmy-recognized work.

Her annual salary at WDIV Local 4 News/ClickOnDetroit is estimated at $75,000–$100,000, consistent with mid-level reporter pay in Detroit markets; previous roles at Fox 2 and Wayne County Sheriff’s Office aligned with similar ranges ($75,000 average).

Is Erika Erickson Married?

No, Erika Erickson is not married, based on available public information. She keeps her romantic life private and has not confirmed any current marriage or spouse.

How Old Is Erika Erickson?

Erika Erickson is 41 years old (born June 21, 1984).

Where is Erika Erickson working?

Erika Erickson is currently working as a general assignment reporter for WDIV Local 4 News/ClickOnDetroit in Detroit, Michigan, where she joined in October 2024 and appears weekdays on air and online as part of “The Investigators” team.