Ana Orsini Dies Aged 28 As Heartbroken Colleagues Remember Beloved 13 News Anchor’s Bright Spirit 💔📺

Ana Orsini, the much-loved KOLD 13 News anchor whose warmth, humour and passion left a lasting mark on everyone around her, has died at the age of just 28.

The Tucson television station confirmed the heartbreaking news, leaving viewers, colleagues and friends stunned by the sudden loss of a young journalist whose career was still rising and whose personality had become impossible to forget.

Ana had joined KOLD 13 News in Arizona in June 2023, quickly becoming a cherished member of the newsroom. But her journey in journalism began years earlier, driven by ambition, curiosity and a clear love for storytelling.

Born in 1996, Ana began her media career in 2018 in Lubbock, Texas, where she worked as an anchor and reporter. From the very start, she threw herself into local news with energy and purpose, covering a wide range of stories — from Texas Tech basketball to an investigation into a bridal shop scam.

It was the kind of work that demanded both professionalism and heart.

Ana had both. ✨

She later moved to KDRV NewsWatch 12 in Medford, Oregon, where she spent three years building her experience and growing into a confident, trusted news anchor. By the time she arrived at KOLD in Tucson, she had already earned a reputation as a talented journalist with a sharp mind, a big heart and an unforgettable sense of humour.

Her death was described by the station as unexpected. Her cause of death was not shared publicly.

“The 13 News Family is saddened to report the passing of our beloved friend and co-anchor Ana Orsini,” KOLD said in a statement. “Ana had been at 13 News since June 2023 and we are devastated by her unexpected passing.”

Those words carried the weight of a newsroom in mourning.

For viewers, Ana was a familiar face on screen. But for those who worked beside her, she was far more than that. She was a friend, a teammate, a fierce personality, and someone whose presence could change the mood of a room.

Her colleague Tyler Butler, a morning anchor at the station, shared an emotional tribute on Facebook, calling Ana “truly one of a kind.” He remembered her as passionate about helping animals, deeply dedicated to her family and gifted with a sarcastic sense of humour that made her impossible not to love.

He also highlighted one of Ana’s most memorable mantras: “Let the women do the work!”

It was funny, bold and perfectly Ana. 💪

That phrase has now become part of the way her colleagues are remembering her — not just as a journalist, but as a woman who carried herself with confidence, authenticity and strength.

KOLD anchor Carsyn Currier also shared a deeply personal tribute, describing Ana as one of her best friends. She said there was not enough time to fully explain who Ana was, but called her “beautiful, talented, and hilarious.”

“She was unlike anyone I’ve ever met,” Carsyn wrote, before making a promise that cut straight to the heart: “I promise to keep living fully for YOU.”

The grief in those words is unmistakable.

It is the kind of grief that comes when someone young, vibrant and full of life is gone far too soon. 💔

Ana’s former producer at KDRV, Ashe Hajek, also remembered her as “a force to be reckoned with.” She described Ana as brave, strong and willing to try anything once — someone who never shied away from being her authentic self and encouraged others to find their own path.

But beneath that bold spirit was deep compassion.

According to those who knew her, Ana cared fiercely — about her family, her friends, her work and the animals she loved. Her passion for helping animals was mentioned again and again in tributes, showing how central kindness was to her life away from the cameras.

That is what makes her loss so painful.

Ana was not just building a career. She was building connections.

With viewers.

With colleagues.

With communities.

With people who now find themselves struggling to imagine the newsroom without her voice, her laughter and her unmistakable energy.

In local television, anchors often become part of people’s daily routines. They are there in the mornings, evenings and difficult moments, helping communities understand the world around them. Ana did that with professionalism, but also with personality. She brought herself to the work — fully, honestly and brightly.

Now, those who loved her are left with memories.

Moments when she made them laugh.

Moments when she challenged them.

Moments when she reminded them to be bold.

Ana Orsini’s life was heartbreakingly short, but her impact was real.

She was a journalist.

A friend.

A daughter.

An animal lover.

A bright, fearless presence gone far too soon.

And in the words of those who knew her best, she will be remembered always. 🕊️