Ana Orsini, a beloved local news anchor in Tucson, Arizona, has tragically died “suddenly,” her colleagues have announced.
Orsini was just 28 years old when she “passed away unexpectedly.”
Her KOLD News 13 colleagues announced Orsini’s death in a heartbreaking segment on Monday.
“Our beloved friend and co-anchor Ana Orsini passed away unexpectedly last week,” broadcaster Tyler Butler said.
Co-anchor Carsyn Currier said tearfully that they were “devastated” by the news.
“We had the opportunity to work with her every day, and we do want you to know that what you saw with her on air, the funny, crazy person she was, she was just like that off camera and more so,” Butler said.
Her cause of death was not disclosed.
The circumstances surrounding her untimely passing and any other details regarding her sudden death are being withheld from the public.
In a post on Facebook, Butler said Orsini “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,” Butler added.
Currier said on social media that Orsini was one of her best friends.
“Ana was not only beautiful, talented, and hilarious, but she was unlike anyone I’ve ever met,” she wrote.
“To know Ana was to LOVE her.
“She made everyone around her feel so special, heard, and understood.
“Waking up in the middle of the night to go to work is always challenging, but knowing I was going to work with Ana made it that much easier.”
Currier added: “She was a proud daughter, sister, and the best dog mom to her baby boy, Harley.
“She was an advocate for animals, women’s rights, and one heck of a friend.”
Another colleague, meteorologist Cory Kowitz, said Orsini was “our anchor, a leader of the morning team, and most importantly a great friend to so many at the station.”
He shared the news team’s video tribute of some of their favorite on-air moments with Orsini.
WATCH:
In a post on X, Kowitz said:
“Last week, we lost a beloved member of our KOLD news team.
“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.
“Thank you to our talented morning team for putting together this beautiful tribute video.
“Rest in peace Ana ❤️”
Orsini had worked at CBS affiliate KOLD News 13 since June 2023.
She started her career in Lubbock, Texas, in 2018, after graduating from Texas A&M University.
The rising star went on to work at KDRV NewsWatch 12 in Medford, Oregon, before her move to Arizona.
She was born and raised in Denver, Colorado.
“Ana spent three years at NewsWatch 12, doing everything from covering major wildfires to helping shelter pets find their forever homes,” her former employer said in a tribute.
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