Ana Orsini, the beloved morning anchor at CBS affiliate KOLD-TV (News 13) in Tucson, Arizona, died suddenly of a brain aneurysm last week, the station announced. She was just 28 years old. Orsini's passing has left her colleagues and viewers devastated.
Born in Denver, Colorado, Orsini began her academic pursuit at the University of Arizona before transferring to Texas A&M University, where she graduated with a degree in journalism and double minors in communications and sports management in 2018. Her career started shortly after, at a news station in Lubbock, Texas, where she served as both anchor and reporter.
Following her stint in Lubbock, she spent three years as the morning and midday anchor at KDRV NewsWatch 12 in Medford, Oregon. During her time there, she covered significant events including major wildfires and worked passionately to find homes for shelter pets.
Orsini joined KOLD-TV in June 2023, bringing her vibrant presence to the Tucson news team. Her sudden death was announced on air during Monday’s broadcast, where her close colleagues Tyler Butler and Carsyn Currier shared the heartbreaking news with viewers. “Sad news to share with you, our beloved friend and co-anchor Ana Orsini passed away unexpectedly last week,” Butler informed viewers, breaking the silence. Currier, holding back tears, expressed the collective grief of their team, “Ana has been here at 13 News since June of 2023, and we are devastated by this loss.”
During this emotional segment, the anchors wore pink to honor Orsini, who had expressed her love for the color. Viewers were treated to highlights from Orsini's short but impactful time at the station; clips showcased her humor and heartwarming interactions with co-hosts, illustrating the joy she brought to the newsroom.
Her colleagues took to social media to share their memories of Orsini. “Waking up in the middle of the night to go to work is always challenging, but knowing I was going to work with Ana made it so much easier,” Currier wrote on her Instagram. She added, “To know Ana was to LOVE her,” emphasizing how Orsini made everyone around her feel special and valued.
Tyler Butler also paid tribute to his friend and co-worker, describing her as “a force of nature.” He noted, “It’s so horrible, so sudden,” reflecting on how Orsini’s genuine care and supportive demeanor would be greatly missed. He recalled how she would defend her colleagues with heartfelt affirmations, saying, “Hey! Don't talk about my friend likethat!”
Evening anchor Brooke Wagner remembered Orsini as “a shooting star,” and weekend anchor Sean Mahoney described her as “a peanut-butter-M&M-loving, platform-Ugg-wearing, pink-or-purple-Stanley-toting ray of sunshine, even at 4:00 AM.” These testimonials showcase not only her professionalism but also the light-hearted spirit she infused at work.
A statement from KOLD-TV described Ana as someone with “bottomless empathy who always stood up for ‘the little guy.’” She was known for mentoring younger colleagues, helping them navigate their careers and grow within the industry.
The news anchor’s passion extended beyond broadcasting; she was dedicated to animal rescue. Her coworkers revealed she was always involved in efforts to help pets find forever homes, showcasing her compassion for animals and commitment to making positive changes.
Carsyn Currier, overwhelmed with emotion, concluded their tribute by vowing to live fully for Ana, capturing the essence of camaraderie and love shared among them all. “To know Ana was to LOVE her,” Currier reiterated, recalling Orsini's infectious laughter and inclusive spirit.
On the KOLD-TV website, her family expressed their grief and requested privacy at this challenging time. They urged those wishing to honor Ana’s memory to contribute to local animal shelters, encapsulating her love for animals and her desire to assist those in need. They stated, “If you would like to do something in Ana’s memory, please donate to your local animal shelter – Ana never met a dog she didn’t love!”
Orsini’s impact on both her professional and personal circles will be cherished, from her colleagues to the viewers who welcomed her each morning. Though her time was tragically short, the joy and laughter she shared will resonate within the KOLD-TV family and beyond for years to come.
