Tucson, Arizona is mourning the unexpected loss of Ana Orsini, a beloved news anchor at KOLD-13, who died suddenly last week at the age of just 28. The news of her passing was first announced by her colleagues on December 16, with the cause of death later confirmed to be a brain aneurysm.
Orsini joined KOLD-13 last June, having previously worked as the morning and midday anchor at KDRV NewsWatch 12, as well as anchoring and reporting at KLBK News in Lubbock, Texas, where she began her career back in 2018. Colleagues and viewers alike praised her infectious enthusiasm and passion for journalism.
Tyler Butler, who worked alongside Orsini at KOLD, expressed the shock felt by her team: "It’s so horrible, so sudden," he wrote on Facebook. He highlighted how Orsini was "a force of nature," often defending her friends with heartfelt sincerity. "I keep thinking about how at times, I’d make a self-deprecatory joke and she’d snap ‘Hey! Don’t talk about my friend like That!’ Her genuine care for everyone around her will be missed," Butler stated.
The community echoed these sentiments. A viewer commented below Butler's post, stating, "Everyone who got to know Ana has to be affected by her sudden passing. Her humor and her spirit touched all who watched 13 News. Your chemistry with her was special and she will be greatly missed.”
Orsini's colleagues characterized her as not only committed to journalism but as someone with "bottomless empathy." KOLD's tribute to her noted, "She was known for taking under her wing and being a strong mentor for all her youngest coworkers," demonstrating the impact she had on new talent entering the field.
Ana was also passionate about animal welfare, having launched initiatives like "Pet of the Day" to find homes for abandoned animals during her time at previous stations. This commitment reflected her larger-than-life personality: loving, dedicated, and enthusiastic about supporting the less fortunate, both human and animal alike.
Particularly poignant was her last social media post, where she encouraged her followers to help find a missing emotional support dog named Maisie, belonging to a young boy with autism. "PLEASE keep your eye out for this dog. Maisie was last seen on Thursday. She is so beautiful and SO loved. Let’s help bring Maisie home!!" Orsini's caring nature was clear even days before her untimely death.
Tyler Butler and Carsyn Currier expressed their sorrow on the air as they broke the solemn news of her passing, stating they were "devastated" by the loss. "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," Butler said during the broadcast, sharing how passionately Ana loved her family, often talking about their importance to her daily life.
Currier reflected on their deep friendship, describing Ana as "not only beautiful, talented, and hilarious but unlike anyone I’ve ever met. To know Ana was to LOVE her." She reminisced about their time spent together at work, illustrating how Orsini made everyone around her feel unique and valued. "Waking up to work with Ana made it so much easier. She brought joy every day," Currier wrote on Instagram.
The tributes continued from other staffers. KOLD meteorologist Cory Kowotiz called Orsini a “beloved member” of the news team and remarked on her qualities: "Ana Orsini was our anchor, a leader of the morning team, and most-importantly, a great friend to so many at the station."
Orsini graduated from Texas A&M University with journalism honors and was fondly remembered for the investigative stories she produced, alongside her heartwarming community segments. Now, her colleagues recommend remembering Ana through her joyous spirit and the undeniable impact she left on the Tucson community, calling her vibrant and loving nature to transform the lives of those around her.
Ana Orsini is survived by her two younger sisters, her parents, and her rescue dog Harley. Amidst the sorrow of her loss, those close to her call upon everyone to celebrate the "bright, sunny person she was,” echoing her own mantra: "Let the women do the work!" Her absence marks not only the loss of a talented journalist but of a cherished friend and advocate for kindness and compassion.
