The tight-knit community of local news broadcasting in Arizona faces profound grief following the sudden loss of one of their rising stars.
According to Daily Mail, CBS affiliate KOLD News13 colleagues Tyler Butler and Carsyn Currier announced the unexpected passing of their 28-year-old co-anchor Ana Orsini during last night's segment.
The young journalist's death has left her colleagues devastated, with the cause still undisclosed. Her vibrant personality and dedication to journalism have made her a beloved figure both on and off camera since joining KOLD in Tucson, Arizona, in June 2023.
Orsini's journey in journalism began after her graduation from Texas A&M University in 2018, when she secured her first position as an anchor/reporter in Lubbock, Texas. Her three-year tenure at NewsWatch 12 preceded her move to KOLD, where she quickly became an integral part of the news team.
Her colleagues remember her as someone whose on-screen personality perfectly mirrored her off-camera demeanor. Butler emphasized this during the emotional announcement, describing her authentic nature and infectious energy that resonated with viewers and coworkers alike.
The news team's strong bond was evident as Butler and Currier held hands while delivering the difficult news to their audience. Their emotional tribute highlighted the personal impact of losing a colleague and a dear friend.
Butler took to Facebook to share his memories of Orsini, emphasizing her passion for animal welfare and her dedication to family. As recalled by Butler:
We have some truly sad news to share this morning. Our beloved Ana Orsini TV passed away suddenly late last week. 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.
Currier's emotional Instagram tribute painted a picture of a multifaceted professional who brought joy to the workplace. She shared:
Whether she was dancing around the set or making us all laugh, everyday with Ana was an adventure. Ana's family was everything to her. 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.
The Denver native's impact extended beyond her immediate circle at KOLD. Former NewsWatch12 KDRV This Morning producer Ashe Hajek remembered her as a force to be reckoned with, highlighting her authenticity and leadership qualities.
KOLD Meteorologist Cory Kowitz shared a video tribute featuring cherished moments with Orsini, celebrating her role as both an anchor and a friend. Her presence in the newsroom was marked by her ability to connect with viewers while maintaining her authentic self.
The loss has resonated deeply within the journalism community, with colleagues emphasizing her commitment to truthful reporting and her ability to touch lives both in and out of the newsroom.
Ana Orsini's passing at age 28 has left an indelible mark on the KOLD News13 family and the broader journalism community in Arizona. Her journey from Texas A&M graduate to becoming a respected news anchor in Tucson exemplified her dedication to her craft and her ability to connect with audiences.
As the circumstances of her death remain private, her legacy lives on through the memories shared by her colleagues and the impact she made during her brief but meaningful career in broadcast journalism. Her mantra, "Let the women do the work!" continues to resonate as a testament to her spirit and dedication to empowering others in the field.
