AB
An Arizona news anchor fought back tears on live television as she shared the heartbreaking news of the sudden passing of her 28-year-old colleague, Ana Orsini.
Orsini, who was a morning anchor at the Tucson-based CBS affiliate 13 News, tragically passed away unexpectedly last week. According to KOLD-TV, the cause of death was a brain aneurysm, and the station paid tribute to the beloved anchor.
The Emotional Broadcast
On Monday’s broadcast, Orsini’s co-workers, Tyler Butler and Carsyn Currier, delivered the sad news to viewers. Currier, visibly emotional, paused as she struggled to keep her composure, shaking as she spoke. “Ana had been here at 13 News since June of 2023, and we are devastated by this loss,” she said. Butler, offering her comfort, gently placed his hand on her shoulder as she continued, breaking down in tears.
In a heartfelt gesture, they both wore pink, Orsini’s favorite color, as they shared a montage of clips showcasing the young anchor’s vibrant personality.
Butler shared further details about Orsini, remembering her as a fun and dynamic presence both on and off camera. “We had the opportunity to work with her every day, and we want you to know that what you saw with her on-air—the funny, crazy person she was—she was just like that off camera, and even more so,” he said.
Tributes from Friends and Co-Workers
Currier later took to Instagram to express her grief. “While there isn’t enough time for me to truly describe the incredible person Ana Orsini was, there are a few things I’d like to say in remembrance of one of my best friends,” she wrote. “Ana was not only beautiful, talented, and hilarious, but she was unlike anyone I’ve ever met. To know Ana was to LOVE her. She made everyone around her feel so special, heard, and understood.”
Currier spoke fondly of the challenges they both faced waking up early for work, but knowing she’d be working alongside Ana made those mornings much easier. “Whether she was dancing around the set or making us all laugh, every day with Ana was an adventure,” she said. “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.”
She ended the tribute with a touching farewell: “Time may pass, but my memories of Ana will never fade. I love you forever, Ana. You’ll always be the Bratz Doll to my Barbie Doll. Rest in peace, sister. I promise to keep living fully for YOU.”
Butler also shared his sorrow on Facebook, writing, “We have some truly sad news to share this morning. Our beloved Ana Orsini passed away suddenly late last week. She was truly one of a kind.”
He described her as “crazy passionate about helping animals” and someone with a “great and sarcastic sense of humor” who was “so dedicated to her family.” Butler added that Ana frequently spoke about her family with great love and affection.
“We’re glad to have been a small part of her work family,” he said. “Please take a moment today to think about Ana. A time she made you laugh or think about something in a different way. She was too young, but we can remember her always. For years to come, we’ll be repeating her mantra. ‘Let the women do the work!'”
A Legacy of Compassion and Mentorship
A tribute on the station’s website celebrated Orsini’s legacy, describing her as someone who “had bottomless empathy and always stood up for ‘the little guy.'” She was particularly known for her kindness toward new and younger colleagues, mentoring them both in work and life. “She was a smiling face, most especially for all her newest and youngest coworkers, and she is known in all the newsrooms where she worked for taking them under her wing and being a strong mentor,” the tribute read.
Her love for animals was also highlighted, with Orsini often working to find homes for pets in need and celebrating “Fur Baby Fridays.” She was also passionate about true crime documentaries and podcasts.
Orsini’s family honored her memory by encouraging donations to a local animal charity, further reflecting her deep love for animals. Described as a “peanut-butter-M&M-loving, platform-Ugg-wearing, pink-or-purple-Stanley-toting ray of sunshine,” she was known for bringing light to everyone she met, even at 4 a.m.
A Bright Star, Gone Too Soon
Ana Orsini, a Colorado native, had attended the University of Arizona before transferring to Texas A&M, where she graduated in 2018 with a degree in journalism and double minors in communications and sports management. Her television career began in Lubbock, Texas, where she anchored and reported, followed by three years as a morning and midday anchor in Medford, Oregon.
Orsini joined KOLD-TV in June 2023, quickly becoming a favorite among her colleagues and viewers.
Our thoughts are with Ana’s family, friends, and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time.
