A vibrant face of morning television in Tucson, Arizona has left an indelible mark on her colleagues and viewers alike.
According to Deadline, Ana Orsini, a morning news anchor at CBS affiliate KOLD-TV (News 13), died unexpectedly last week from a brain aneurism at the age of 28.
The Denver native's sudden passing was announced by her colleagues during an emotional broadcast on Monday. Orsini had been serving as an anchor at KOLD since June 2023, where she quickly became known for her engaging personality both on and off camera.
Before joining KOLD-TV, Orsini built a solid foundation in journalism, graduating from Texas A&M in 2018 with a degree in journalism and double minors in communications and sports management. Her academic journey began at the University of Arizona before she transferred to complete her studies.
Orsini's professional career started in Lubbock, Texas, where she worked as an anchor and reporter immediately after graduation. She then spent three years as a morning and midday anchor at a station in Medford, Oregon, covering various stories ranging from major wildfires to heartwarming pieces about shelter pets finding homes.
Her move to KOLD-TV in Tucson marked a significant step in her career, where she quickly became an integral part of the morning news team. Despite her brief tenure at the station, she made a lasting impact on her colleagues and the community she served.
Co-anchor Tyler Butler shared the devastating news with viewers during Monday's broadcast. His colleague Carsyn Currier, fighting back tears, emphasized Orsini's genuine nature and the profound impact she had on those around her:
Sad news to share with you, our beloved friend and co-anchor Ana Orsini passed away unexpectedly last week. Ana has been here at 13 News since June of 2023, and we are devastated by this loss.
Currier later took to social media to share more personal memories of working with Orsini. In a touching Instagram post, she described her late colleague's ability to make everyone feel special and understood. The challenging nature of their early morning schedule was made easier by Orsini's presence and infectious personality.
Throughout her short but impactful career, Orsini demonstrated a remarkable ability to connect with both her audience and colleagues. Her work ethic and dedication to storytelling set her apart in the competitive field of broadcast journalism.
Her colleagues emphasized that Orsini's on-air personality perfectly matched her off-camera demeanor. The warmth, humor, and authenticity that viewers saw each morning were genuine reflections of her character.
The news team at KOLD-TV continues to honor her memory while grappling with the loss of their beloved colleague. Their tributes paint a picture of a young journalist who brought joy and energy to the newsroom every day.
Ana Orsini's unexpected passing at age 28 has left a void in the Tucson broadcasting community. The morning news anchor at KOLD-TV died from a brain aneurysm last week, cutting short a promising career that began in 2018.
Her journey from the University of Arizona to Texas A&M, followed by positions in Lubbock, Medford, and finally Tucson, showcased her dedication to journalism and her natural ability to connect with audiences. Though her time at KOLD-TV was brief, her impact on colleagues and viewers will be remembered as a testament to her vibrant spirit and professional dedication.
