Hank Winchester Biography: Age, Husband

Hank Winchester WDIV: Consumer Reporter on Leave Amid Investigation | Help Me Hank

Hank Winchester is a prominent Consumer Investigative Reporter and the host of the “Help Me Hank” Consumer Unit at WDIV-TV Local 4 in Detroit.

Early Life and Education:

Hank Winchester was born in Troy, Michigan. He is a proud graduate of Central Michigan University.

Career at WDIV-TV:

Winchester joined WDIV in 2001. Throughout his extensive tenure, he has served in various roles, including reporter, Local 4 Defender, and weekend morning News Anchor.

In 2015, he took over the popular consumer unit, becoming the host of “Help Me Hank,” a segment dedicated to solving consumer complaints, revealing important recalls, and tracking down individuals who have defrauded the community.

His work in this role has helped hundreds of Detroiters achieve justice and warned the public about various scams.

He also worked with the Detroit Pistons to help transform Thurgood Marshall Elementary School by building its library and gymnasium.

Before joining WDIV, Winchester gained experience at television stations in Miami (CBS), Flint/Saginaw (CBS), Lansing (CBS), and Marquette (NBC).

Notable Reporting:

As a reporter, Hank Winchester covered some of Metro Detroit’s biggest stories, including:

The scandal, conviction, and trial of former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick.

Murder investigations of Jane Bashara, Tara Grant, and Ronald Jabalee, which were featured on Dateline NBC and The Today Show.

The first and only interview with Cecilia Cichan, the sole survivor of Northwest Flight 255.

The first reporter to interview Dr. Jack Kevorkian after his release from prison, and years later, he broke the news of Kevorkian’s death.

Extensive coverage of the Flint Water Crisis.

Awards and Recognition:

Hank Winchester is an Emmy Award-winning journalist and has also received Michigan Association of Broadcasters Awards and The Spirit of Detroit Award for his dedication to helping the people of Detroit.

Other Ventures: Winchester co-hosts “The Morning After” podcast with Kelly Stafford, wife of NFL quarterback Matthew Stafford.

Recent Developments:

Hank Winchester has been placed on administrative leave from WDIV-TV due to an ongoing external investigation by authorities.

Police searched his home, reportedly seizing electronics, in connection with allegations of unwanted sexual advances made towards a man during a massage.

Winchester’s attorney has stated that the investigation will prove the accusations to be false. No charges have been filed, and the investigation is ongoing.

Hank Winchester Age:

Hank Winchester was born on January 24, 1978, which makes him 47 years old as of 2025. His zodiac sign is Aquarius.

He is of white ethnicity and was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, United States, making him American by nationality.

Parents and Siblings:

Hank Winchester was born and raised in a suburban neighborhood in Detroit, Michigan.

While specific details about his parents are not widely available, it is known that he grew up with both of his parents.

Unfortunately, there isn’t much information about his siblings either, so it’s unclear whether he has any brothers or sisters.

Hank Winchester Husband Jeff

Hank Winchester was previously married to Jeff Grim, and the couple adopted a daughter named Emma Rose in 2018.

They lived together in Detroit, Michigan, and were known for their close-knit family life.

However, in May 2024, Hank publicly discussed their divorce during an episode of The Morning After podcast with Kelly Stafford.

Since then, details about Jeff Grim’s current relationship with Hank or his public presence have remained private.

Hank Winchester Height:

Hank Winchester stands at an average height of 5 feet 8 inches (approximately 173 cm) and weighs around 143 pounds (approximately 65 kg).

Career and Background:

Hank Winchester is a proud graduate of Central Michigan University. He began his journalism career with positions at television stations in Marquette (NBC), Lansing (CBS), Flint/Saginaw (CBS), and Miami (CBS).

In 2001, he joined WDIV-TV in Detroit, where he has served as a reporter, Local 4 Defender, and weekend morning news anchor.

In 2015, following Ruth Spencer’s retirement, Hank took over the station’s consumer unit, rebranding it as “Help Me Hank.”

Throughout his career, he has covered significant stories, including the scandal involving former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick and high-profile murder investigations.

His work has been featured on national platforms such as Dateline NBC and The Today Show.

Early Career

Hank Winchester’s career in broadcast journalism began with internships and entry-level positions that allowed him to gain hands-on experience in the field.

His dedication and passion for storytelling quickly set him apart. Hank initially worked for CBS, taking on roles as a reporter and fill-in anchor in Miami and Lansing.

These positions provided him with a robust foundation in journalism, allowing him to cover a wide range of stories and connect with diverse audiences.

Rise to Prominence

Hank’s career trajectory took a significant leap when he joined WDIV-TV Local 4 in Detroit, Michigan, in the early 2000s.

As he settled into his role at WDIV-TV, Hank’s talent for investigative journalism became increasingly evident.

He covered numerous high-profile stories in Metro Detroit, which showcased his ability to delve deep into complex issues and present them in a way that resonated with viewers.

One of his notable assignments was reporting on the scandal, conviction, and trial of former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick.

This story required meticulous research and a keen understanding of the legal and political landscape of the city.

Help Me Hank

In 2015, Hank took over the popular consumer advocacy segment, Help Me Hank, following the retirement of Ruth Spencer.

As the head of this consumer unit, Hank’s focus shifted towards addressing consumer complaints, revealing important recalls, and tracking down individuals who had defrauded community members.

His dedication to consumer advocacy quickly made “Help Me Hank” a crucial resource for viewers seeking assistance with various issues.

Hank’s work in this segment involves investigating complaints from consumers, working with local authorities, and providing valuable information on consumer protection.

His efforts have helped countless individuals resolve their issues and stay informed about their rights. The success of “Help Me Hank” has solidified Hank’s reputation as a trusted consumer advocate.

Network Affiliations

WDIV-TV Local 4 (Detroit, MI)

Hank Winchester joined WDIV-TV Local 4 in Detroit in the early 2000s. Over the years, he has become a well-known figure in Metro Detroit’s media landscape.

As a Consumer Investigative Reporter and the head of the “Help Me Hank” Consumer Unit, Hank has made significant contributions to the community by addressing consumer complaints, uncovering important recalls, and exposing fraudulent activities.

His dedication to protecting consumers and providing valuable information has earned him the trust and respect of viewers.

CBS

Before his tenure at WDIV-TV, Hank worked as a reporter and fill-in anchor for CBS. His roles at CBS stations in Miami and Lansing helped him hone his skills in journalism and storytelling.

These experiences provided him with a strong foundation in reporting, allowing him to cover a wide range of stories and connect with diverse audiences.

NBC News

Hank also served as a correspondent for NBC News based in Marquette, Michigan. During his time with NBC News, he covered various news events and stories, gaining valuable experience in the field.

His work with NBC News contributed to his reputation as a reliable and dedicated journalist.

Career Highlights

Here are Hank Winchester’s notable reports, numbered:

Kwame Kilpatrick Scandal
- Hank’s in-depth reporting on the scandal, conviction, and trial of former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick.
- Featured on Dateline NBC and The Today Show.
Murder Investigations
- Coverage of the murder investigations of Jane Bashata, Tara Grant, and Ronald Jabalee.
Consumer Advocacy
- Exposing scams, revealing important recalls, and tracking down individuals who have defrauded consumers through the “Help Me Hank” segment.
Holiday Shopping Safety
- Providing tips and information to help viewers stay safe during the holiday shopping season, highlighting common scams.
Road and Infrastructure Issues
- Reporting on road and infrastructure problems in Michigan, including efforts to fix the state’s roads.
Spirit Airlines Bankruptcy
- Coverage of Spirit Airlines filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and the potential impact on holiday travel.
Local Community Issues
- Focusing on various local community issues, such as efforts to improve road conditions and address resident concerns.

Hank Winchester has received several awards and recognitions throughout his career for his outstanding work in journalism and consumer advocacy:

Emmy Awards: Hank has won three Emmy Awards for his investigative reporting and contributions to broadcast journalism.

Associated Press Awards: He has received multiple awards from the Associated Press for his exceptional reporting and dedication to uncovering the truth.

Michigan Association of Broadcasters Awards: Hank has been honored with awards from the Michigan Association of Broadcasters for his impactful journalism and commitment to the community.

The Spirit of Detroit Award: This prestigious award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the city of Detroit, and Hank was honored for his efforts in helping the community through his “Help Me Hank” segment.

Hank Winchester’s colleagues at WDIV-TV:

Devin Scillian: An anchor and reporter at WDIV-TV, Devin Scillian has been a prominent figure in Detroit journalism. He has a strong presence on the Local 4 News and has worked with Hank on various stories and investigations.

Jason Colthorp: An anchor and reporter at WDIV-TV, Jason Colthorp has covered a wide range of stories in Detroit. He has worked with Hank on investigative pieces and consumer advocacy reports, contributing to the station’s commitment to delivering impactful journalism.

Kim DeGiulio: A reporter at WDIV-TV, Kim DeGiulio is known for her engaging storytelling and coverage of community events. She has collaborated with Hank on numerous reports, contributing to the station’s comprehensive news coverage.

Rhonda Walker: An anchor at WDIV-TV, Rhonda Walker is a familiar face to viewers. She has worked alongside Hank on various news segments and has been a key part of the station’s morning news team.

These colleagues have played a crucial role in Hank Winchester’s career and the success of WDIV-TV. Their collaborative efforts have helped the station provide valuable information and support to the Detroit community.

Hank Winchester Heart Attack

Hank Winchester experienced a serious health scare when he had a heart attack. He shared his story in a video titled “Hank Winchester’s wake-up call: Ignoring my health nearly cost me everything”.

Hank admitted that he had ignored his health for years, putting off doctor visits and ignoring symptoms like chest tightness.

When he finally went for a check-up, tests revealed that he had significant plaque buildup in his arteries, which required immediate medical intervention.

Hank’s experience served as a wake-up call, prompting him to make lifestyle changes and prioritize his health. He now advocates for regular check-ups and taking care of one’s health to avoid similar situations.

Hank Winchester Net Worth and Salary:

Hank Winchester’s net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $5 million. This wealth has been accumulated primarily through his successful career as a consumer investigative reporter.

His salary as a consumer investigative reporter at WDIV-TV is approximately $112,430 per year. This figure reflects his experience and contributions to the field of journalism.

In addition, Hank’s financial success can be attributed to his dedication and hard work over the years.

His impactful reporting and commitment to consumer advocacy have made him a trusted figure in the Detroit community, further enhancing his reputation and career prospects.

Is Hank Winchester Married?

As of 2025, Hank Winchester is openly gay and has been publicly linked to multiple partners over the years, though his current marital status is somewhat unclear due to conflicting reports:

Past and Reported Marriages

Jeff Grim: Hank was previously married to Jeff Grim, and together they adopted a daughter named Emma Rose in 2018. Their relationship was widely recognized in Detroit media circles.

Current Status

Despite these reports, there is no confirmed public record of a recent marriage or divorce. Hank has kept his personal life relatively private, especially following his administrative leave from WDIV in June 2025.

It’s possible that some of the names reflect past relationships or misreported details, as timelines and family references overlap.

How Old Is Hank Winchester?

Hank Winchester is 47 years old. He was born on January 24, 1978, in Detroit, Michigan.

What happened to Hank Winchester at WDIV?

Hank Winchester, a longtime investigative reporter and head of the “Help Me Hank” consumer unit at WDIV Local 4, was placed on administrative leave in June 2025.

This followed a police search of his Beverly Hills, Michigan home on June 13, conducted by Beverly Hills Police with support from the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office.

WDIV acknowledged the existence of an “external investigation” but declined to provide further comment while the matter remains ongoing.

Why was Hank Winchester put on administrative leave?

The administrative leave was triggered by the external investigation and the search warrant executed at his residence.

According to WDIV’s statement, the decision was made to respect the privacy of the situation and allow the investigation to proceed without interference.

What was “Help Me Hank” accused of?

Sources reported that the investigation stems from allegations of unwanted sexual advances made by Winchester to a man during a massage session.

Winchester is reportedly studying massage therapy, and electronics were seized from his home during the search.

No formal charges have been filed, and the investigation remains active.

His attorney has publicly stated that the accusations are false and that the investigation “will end where it began — nowhere”.

Where Is Hank Winchester Working?

As of now, Hank Winchester remains affiliated with WDIV Local 4 News in Detroit, Michigan, where he has long served as a consumer investigative reporter and led the “Help Me Hank” segment.

However, he is currently on administrative leave due to an ongoing external investigation. The station has not announced any changes to his employment status beyond that.

Hank Winchester is active on social media. He uses platforms like Twitter and Instagram to engage with his audience, share updates, and provide valuable information.

You can follow him on Twitter at @hankwinchester to stay updated on his latest reports and consumer advocacy efforts.