NBC news host Lesley Swick Van Ness passed away aged 42 during a family holiday.
The American TV anchor, who worked for WGEM-TV and Gray Television, was hospitalised last Thursday (April 6) after becoming ill during a family holiday to Florida.
Lesley was pronounced dead on Monday (April 10).
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Her cause of death has not yet been revealed.
Following news of her passing, her colleagues and viewers have taken to social media to share heartfelt words.
Lesley’s devastated co-worker Jennifer Dale paid tribute to her friend as she asked fans to keep her family in their prayers.
(Image: Twitter/ @Lesley_WGEM)
“It is with a very heavy heart that we share some devastating news with you.
“Lesley Van Ness, who we have been so fortunate to have as part of the Gray family, passed away this (Monday) morning,” the vice president of recruiting at Gray Television said in a statement.
“Lesley had been on vacation with her beautiful family in Florida when she fell ill and was hospitalised last Thursday.”
“Lesley and her husband Tom have two precious young boys. Please keep all of them in your prayers.
“We will keep everyone posted on arrangements,” Jennifer added in a statement shared with Muddy River News.
Lesley’s colleagues have been paying tribute to her, describing their friend as a “powerful” force who “did her job with integrity”.
Her co-anchor of seven years, Matt Schmidt, said: “She could walk into the newsroom and instantly take over. She just had a commanding presence about her.
“Sitting on the news desk was an awesome experience.”
(Image: Twitter/ @Lesley_WGEM)
WGEM-TV meteorologist Brian Inman added: “She wasn’t afraid to do the dirty work and wasn’t afraid to work the extra hour, especially if it was something that was really impacting the community.”
Lesley graduated from Illinois State University before starting her career with NBC in 2003.
Her funeral will be held on April 17 in Quincy, Illinois, and friends and family are invited to attend the service.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
