Arizona news anchor’s sudden death shocks community
- Replies 1
Tucson is reeling from the sudden loss of a beloved morning news anchor. Viewers and colleagues alike are mourning a vibrant personality who brightened their mornings.
Her untimely passing has left a community heartbroken and searching for answers.
A graduate of Texas A&M University, Ana's career began in Lubbock, Texas, in 2018.
Her talent and drive quickly became evident, and she soon became a beloved figure at KOLD 13 News after joining the team in June 2023.
Ana was known for her empathy and her advocacy for “the little guy,” a testament to her character both on and off the screen.
Her colleagues remember her as a beacon of support, particularly for the newest and youngest members of the newsroom.
Ana's role as a mentor extended beyond professional guidance; she offered life advice and encouragement, fostering a nurturing environment that many young journalists will carry with them throughout their careers.
Her co-anchor, Ty Butler, took to social media to express his grief, highlighting Ana's love for her family, her passion for helping animals, and her memorable sense of humor.
“She was truly one of a kind. Crazy passionate about helping animals, she had a great and sarcastic sense of humor, and was so dedicated to her family.
She LOVED her family and talked about them all the time. I’m glad to have been a small part of her work family.
Please take a moment today to think about Ana. A time she made you laugh or think about something in a different way.
She was too young, but we can remember her always.”
Her mantra, “Let the women do the work!” became a rallying cry that underscored her belief in the strength and capability of her female colleagues.
Cory Kowitz, a meteorologist at KOLD, reflected on Ana's role as a leader and a cherished friend.
“Ana Orsini was our anchor, a leader of the morning team, and most importantly a great friend to so many at the station. I had the pleasure of working with her during the morning, even though it was for too short of a time.”
The morning team, which Ana led with poise and enthusiasm, is especially feeling the void left by her absence.
Ashe Hajek, a former producer at KDRV TV in Medford, Oregon, where Ana previously worked, described her as “a force to be reckoned with,” praising her bravery, strength, and authenticity.
Her viewers, who welcomed her into their homes each morning, are mourning the loss of a trusted voice in the news.
The compilation of highlights from her broadcasts, shared by the station, offers a glimpse into the energy and dedication she brought to her work.
Source: @cory_kowitz/X (formerly Twitter)
In the wake of this tragedy, it's important to reflect on the ways we can honor Ana's memory.
Ana's passing is a profound loss, but her spirit will continue to inspire.
Let us take a moment to honor her memory by embodying the qualities she represented: empathy, strength, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
As we process this loss, we invite our readers at The GrayVine to share their memories of Ana Orsini. Did her reporting touch your life in some way? Do you have a story about how she made you laugh or think differently?
Our thoughts are with Ana's family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time.
Her untimely passing has left a community heartbroken and searching for answers.
Ana's journey: A rising star in journalism
Ana Orsini's journey in the world of broadcast journalism was marked by her passion and dedication.A graduate of Texas A&M University, Ana's career began in Lubbock, Texas, in 2018.
Her talent and drive quickly became evident, and she soon became a beloved figure at KOLD 13 News after joining the team in June 2023.
Orsini was remembered by colleagues as someone with “bottomless empathy”. Image source: Ana Orsini TV.
Ana was known for her empathy and her advocacy for “the little guy,” a testament to her character both on and off the screen.
Her colleagues remember her as a beacon of support, particularly for the newest and youngest members of the newsroom.
Ana's role as a mentor extended beyond professional guidance; she offered life advice and encouragement, fostering a nurturing environment that many young journalists will carry with them throughout their careers.
The impact of a mentor
The loss of Ana Orsini is felt deeply by those who worked alongside her.Her co-anchor, Ty Butler, took to social media to express his grief, highlighting Ana's love for her family, her passion for helping animals, and her memorable sense of humor.
“She was truly one of a kind. Crazy passionate about helping animals, she had a great and sarcastic sense of humor, and was so dedicated to her family.
She LOVED her family and talked about them all the time. I’m glad to have been a small part of her work family.
Please take a moment today to think about Ana. A time she made you laugh or think about something in a different way.
She was too young, but we can remember her always.”
Her mantra, “Let the women do the work!” became a rallying cry that underscored her belief in the strength and capability of her female colleagues.
Cory Kowitz, a meteorologist at KOLD, reflected on Ana's role as a leader and a cherished friend.
“Ana Orsini was our anchor, a leader of the morning team, and most importantly a great friend to so many at the station. I had the pleasure of working with her during the morning, even though it was for too short of a time.”
The morning team, which Ana led with poise and enthusiasm, is especially feeling the void left by her absence.
Ashe Hajek, a former producer at KDRV TV in Medford, Oregon, where Ana previously worked, described her as “a force to be reckoned with,” praising her bravery, strength, and authenticity.
Remembering Ana Orsini
Ana Orsini passed away at the tender age of 28 due to a brain aneurysm, leaving behind a legacy of warmth, mentorship, and a commitment to journalism that touched many lives.Her viewers, who welcomed her into their homes each morning, are mourning the loss of a trusted voice in the news.
The compilation of highlights from her broadcasts, shared by the station, offers a glimpse into the energy and dedication she brought to her work.
Source: @cory_kowitz/X (formerly Twitter)
In the wake of this tragedy, it's important to reflect on the ways we can honor Ana's memory.
Ana's passing is a profound loss, but her spirit will continue to inspire.
Let us take a moment to honor her memory by embodying the qualities she represented: empathy, strength, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
Our thoughts are with Ana's family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time.
