A Mississippi news station is mourning the sudden death of one of its newest anchors after she died unexpectedly from a heart attack at just 42 years old.
Dorothea Celeste Wilson died Wednesday, ABC News affiliate WAPT in Jackson announced.
Wilson had recently joined the station as a weekend anchor.
In a statement, WAPT said:
“Though Celeste had only been with us a short time, we were already touched by her professionalism, warmth, and dedication to the work of journalism.
“All of us here at 16 WAPT are heartbroken by this sudden loss, and our thoughts are with Celeste’s family and friends.”
The station confirmed the mother of one’s cause of death was a heart attack.
Colleagues across the newsroom expressed shock and grief over Wilson’s passing.
Anchor Megan West shared a tribute that included a video of Wilson covering the Girl Scouts of Mississippi Women of Distinction Induction breakfast just last week.
“She was new to our team and so lovely,” West said.
“We chatted about how she was adjusting to morning show hours and life a few hours from her home in Louisiana.
“Today, I learned she died, unexpectedly, of a heart attack.
“It is such a shock, and our hearts are broken for her family.
“I treasure the memory of this last, sweet conversation.”
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WAPT meteorologist Katie Garch wrote: “Heartbreaking news.
“To have known her was a blessing. May she rest easy.
“Sending love and deepest condolences to the family and friends.”
Another meteorologist, Christana Kay, said:
“It is a numb feeling. We are in shock.
“We are heartbroken.
“From seeing Celeste Monday to hearing the news of a heart attack, it does not seem real that this happened.
“Celeste was a bright light in a dark room and always shined.
“Please pray for her family.
“This world lost someone loving and caring, and passionate in everything she does.”
A New Orleans native, Wilson received her undergraduate degree from Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana, before earning a master’s degree in journalism from Arizona State University.
She began her career at the CBS affiliate in Monroe, Louisiana, and went on to work at several local stations, including KARK in Little Rock, Arkansas.
“While she has held various roles throughout her professional career, her passion for journalism and storytelling drove her to pursue a path in Broadcast Journalism,” her WAPT biography said.
“During this journey, she obtained a master’s degree in journalism from Arizona State University and soon began her broadcasting career at the CBS affiliate in Monroe, Louisiana.”
The biography added: “With a strong a commitment to faith, family, community, and deep Mississippi ties, Celeste is excited to explore Jackson and share Mississippi’s stories.”
Her former station, KARK, also issued a statement honoring her life.
The statement read:
“KARK 4 News is heartbroken by the loss of a KARK family member and former morning team member, Dorothea Wilson.
“She was 42 years old.
“Dorothea joined KARK in October of 2023 as a reporter and anchor with the morning team before leaving in August of 2024.”
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