Dom Tiberi, a well-known sportscaster in Columbus, Ohio, has been a sports anchor for WBNS-10TV for many years. His dedication to his work has earned him respect and admiration in the sports community. However, beyond his successful career, Dom's life has been marked by both personal triumphs and profound tragedy. While information regarding Dom’s weight loss is not yet updated publicly, his commitment to his health has caught the attention of many. This article explores Dom Tiberi's life, career, and the enduring legacy of his daughter, Maria Tiberi, whose tragic death led to a powerful campaign against distracted driving.
Dom Tiberi: A Pillar of Sports Journalism
Dom Tiberi has been a weekday sports anchor and a weekend co-host of Wall-to-Wall Sports on WBNS-TV in Columbus, Ohio, since March 1981. He graduated from Otterbein College in Westerville with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Public Relations. During his time in college, he was a member of the football team and actively participated in the college's radio and TV station.
Throughout his career, Dom has been recognized for his comprehensive coverage of Ohio State University sports, consistently breaking stories about the Buckeyes. His ability to secure timely interviews with coaching staff and players has set him apart. He also shows commitment to covering high school athletics shines through his involvement with First and 10, where he spotlights talented local athletes.
The Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) honored Dom with a Media Service Award for 2000-2001, and in 2002, he received a Press Award from the Greater Columbus Tennis Association. He has interviewed prominent politicians such as Joe Biden, George W. Bush, and George H.W. Bush.
The Unimaginable Loss: Maria's Story
In 2013, tragedy struck the Tiberi family when Dom's daughter, Maria Tiberi, died in a car accident at the age of 21. The accident was attributed to distracted driving. Maria and her sister, Kelsey, were exceptionally close, sharing friends, diets, and even working together at Buffalo Wild Wings while students at Ohio State.
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On the night of the accident, Maria was driving when she lost her life. According to the official police report, Maria was wearing a seatbelt, and her phone was locked in her purse on the floor of the back seat. The exact cause of the distraction remains unknown, but the consequences were devastating.
Kelsey received the tragic news from her father and the Dublin Police Chief. The shock and grief were overwhelming. Kelsey remembers the surreal experience of picking out a dress for Maria to wear in her casket, a stark contrast to the dreams of picking out a wedding dress together.
Maria's Message: A Legacy of Awareness
In the wake of Maria's death, Dom Tiberi and his family turned their grief into action. In February 2014, Dom established "Maria's Message," a public service campaign to educate teens and young adults about the dangers of distracted driving. He brings Maria’s Message to high schools all over Central Ohio, spreading awareness about the dangers of distracted driving and encouraging defensive driving.
The Tiberi family also established the Maria Tiberi Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides an annual scholarship to a student from Dublin Coffman High School with a passion for graphic design, mirroring Maria's interests. The Foundation’s main purpose is promoting defensive driving. The event is yet another way the family continues to do whatever it takes to raise awareness about distracted driving. It’s also an opportunity for friends and family to come together, including the Tiberi’s son, Dominic Jr.
Because Dom is recognizable by many, Maria’s death was far from a private matter for the Tiberi family. For Kelsey, it was a blessing and a curse.
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Kelsey's Journey: Living Without Maria
Kelsey's life was profoundly altered by the loss of her sister. The two were inseparable, and Maria's absence left a void that could never be filled. Kelsey found herself navigating life without her best friend and confidante.
Despite the pain, Kelsey has found ways to honor Maria's memory and move forward. She works full-time, attends salsa dancing classes, plays intramural volleyball, and cares for her pitbull puppy, Marcella. Kelsey admits she got the dog because she doesn’t like to be alone, and jokes that Marcella is great preparation for motherhood.
Kelsey returned to Ohio State in January 2014, just four months after Maria’s death, and completed her last year. Maria’s pictures are displayed throughout Kelsey’s home - in the living room, the kitchen, on her dresser, on her nightstand and underneath her TV. There used to be even more on display, but Kelsey took them down to help herself move forward with her life.
Kelsey cherishes signs that remind her of Maria, like the Diet Coke bottle with her name on it that she found at an outlet store. She attributes rainbows to Maria smiling down on her, telling her she “approves,” like the one she saw the first day she moved into her new apartment.
Sarah's Memories: The Sweetness of Maria
Sarah Lacca, a close friend of Maria, remembers her as one of the sweetest and most selfless people she had ever met. Sarah met Maria and Kelsey while working at Buffalo Wild Wings during her sophomore year at Ohio State.
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Sarah recalls Maria's unwavering support and her ability to make everyone feel loved and cared for. She remembers a dream she had the week Maria died, where Maria reassured her that she was okay and that her death was an accident.
Overcoming Challenges and Seeking Support
The Tiberi family's journey has not been without its challenges. Kelsey has faced rumors and insensitive comments about the circumstances of Maria's death, which have added to her pain.
Dom's wife, Terri, is battling breast cancer. Dom posted on his X handle that “Nobody fights cancer alone. My beautiful wife Terri is battling breast cancer. My daughter Kelsey thought we all should shave our heads to show our love and support for Terri. She is as tough as they come”. The family's resilience and unity in the face of adversity have been inspiring.
Dom Tiberi's Weight Loss Journey
Dom Tiberi's weight loss journey wasn’t an overnight success. Like most people, he had to make consistent and sustainable changes to his diet, exercise routine, and lifestyle.
A balanced and nutritious diet was at the heart of Dom’s weight loss plan. He focused on eliminating unhealthy foods, such as processed snacks, sugary drinks, and fast food. Instead, he incorporated more fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains into his daily meals. Portion control and mindful eating also played significant roles in his dietary changes.
Along with a healthier diet, Dom also adopted a regular exercise routine. Physical activity is essential for weight loss, and Dom incorporated both cardio and strength training into his regimen. Cardio exercises, such as walking, running, or cycling, helped him burn calories and improve his cardiovascular health. Dom understood that staying consistent with his workouts was the key to long-term success.
Weight loss can be challenging, but having a support system makes the journey easier. Dom Tiberi had the encouragement of his family, friends, and colleagues, who supported his decision to lead a healthier life. Publicly sharing his journey also gave Dom a sense of accountability. For those looking to start their own weight loss journey, Dom’s experience highlights the importance of seeking support.
Weight loss isn’t just a physical challenge-it’s a mental and emotional one too. Dom Tiberi focused on maintaining a positive mindset throughout his journey. Like many people, he experienced setbacks along the way, but instead of giving up, he remained focused on his goals. He emphasized the importance of self-compassion and patience. Mindful eating and stress management techniques, such as meditation or yoga, can also play a role in a successful weight loss journey.