A Mississippi news anchor has passed away at the age of 42 following a heart attack.
Celeste Wilson, a weekend anchor with ABC affiliate WAPT, had recently joined the station.
The station announced on Wednesday, Aug. 27, that Wilson had died from the heart attack.
“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,” WAPT said.
They added, “All of us here at 16 WAPT are heartbroken by this sudden loss, and our thoughts are with Celeste’s family and friends.”
Wilson held a master’s degree in journalism from Arizona State University and was noted for her “strong commitment to faith, family, community, and deep Mississippi ties,” according to WAPT.
She began her broadcasting career at CBS affiliate KNOE in Monroe, Louisiana, and worked at several other local news stations. She also served as one of two state hosts for a weekly broadcast on a PBS network, according to her biography on WAPT’s website.
Among her previous positions was NBC affiliate KARK in Arkansas, which paid tribute to the late journalist following her sudden passing. Wilson joined KARK in October 2023 as a reporter and anchor with the morning team and left in August 2024.
“Team 20 is saddened by this loss, and our prayers are with her colleagues, friends and family members,” the station said.
WAPT anchor Megan West also honored Wilson in a Facebook post.
“This video is from just last week. My beautiful colleague, Celeste Wilson, showed up to cover the Girl Scouts of Mississippi Women of Distinction Induction breakfast,” West wrote. “She was new to our team and so lovely. We chatted about how she was adjusting to morning show hours and life a few hours from her home in Louisiana.”
After learning of Wilson’s death, West added, “It is such a shock, and our hearts are broken for her family. I treasure the memory of this last, sweet conversation.”
