Tributes flow for 7NEWS cameraman David ‘Wooly’ Woolford, who passed away after 18 month battle with brain cancer
He was a genius of his craft, the man with the biggest smile and everybody’s best friend. Now, TV legends are paying tribute to one of their own.
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Known in the media industry as a man who always had a smile on his face, it was hard not to enjoy a job with David Woolford.
Over four decades working as a cameraman across South Australia, Wooly, as the industry knew him, was exceptionally talented behind the lens, but an even better friend to all who met him.
On Monday afternoon, after an eighteen month battle with brain cancer, Wooly peacefully passed away.
In a touching tribute on Friday night, 7NEWS Adelaide presenter Rosanna Mangiarelli remembered him on air sharing kind words about her colleague.
“Highly respected by his colleagues, Wooly was a master of his craft with a special interest in underwater videography,” Mangiarelli said.
“And he always had a smile on his face.”
7NEWS Adelaide chief reporter Mike Smithson, who worked alongside Wooly for twenty years, told The Advertiser, “he always saw a picture angle that made a story even better”.
“His creativity and infectious humour made you feel grateful that you were working with him on any news story or other assignment,” Smithson said.
“A good test of the bloke was that he always put those we were interviewing at ease with a smile and calming quip.
“Anyone working with Wooly knew they were going to have a good day with a great result. He was everyone’s best friend.
“He’s already deeply missed by everyone in the TV industry.”
Posts shared on social media by the newsroom showed him smiling on the job over the years, and remembered him for his “infectious humour, professionalism and unwavering dedication”.
Deanna Williams, veteran 7NEWS Adelaide reporter, said Wooly was a “joy to work with”.
“He was a total professional, a team player and he loved his craft,” she said.
“Always positive and upbeat. That smile would light up a room.
“We’re thinking of Amanda and Lily.”
Vale David Woolford 1965 – 2025
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Originally published as Tributes flow for 7NEWS cameraman David ‘Wooly’ Woolford, who passed away after 18 month battle with brain cancer
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