A beloved Mississippi news host has died unexpectedly at just 42 years old this week, according to her former colleagues.
Dorothea Celeste Wilson, who recently joined WAPT in Jackson as a weekend anchor, passed away on Wednesday after suffering a 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,” the station announced.
“All of us here at 16 WAPT are heartbroken by this sudden loss, and our thoughts are with Celeste’s family and friends.”eeeee
WAPT confirmed that Wilson, who leaves behind her only child, suffered a heart attack in her sleep.
Megan West, a coworker of Wilson, shared a heartfelt tribute to her friend by sharing a clip of her latest story on the Girl Scouts of Mississippi Women of Distinction Induction breakfast last week.
“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,” West wrote on social media.
“Today, I learned she died, unexpectedly, of a heart attack. It is such a shock, and our hearts are broken for her family. I treasure the memory of this last, sweet conversation.”
WAPT meteorologist Katie Garch added her own tribute. “Heartbreaking news. To have known her was a blessing. May she rest easy.”
“Sending love and deepest condolences to the family and friends.”
Christana Kay, a meteorologist at the network, reacted: “It is a numb feeling. We are in shock. We are heartbroken. From seeing Celeste Monday to hearing the news of a heart attack, it does not seem real that this happened.”
“Celeste was a bright light in a dark room and always shined. Please pray for her family. This world lost someone loving and caring and passionate in everything she does.”
Wilson was born and raised in New Orleans, where she got her start covering local events while pursuing her college degree at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana, according to the Daily Mail.
A WAPT biography for Wilson states about her early years, “While she has held various roles throughout her professional career, her passion for journalism and storytelling drove her to pursue a path in Broadcast Journalism.”
“During this journey, she obtained a master’s degree in journalism from Arizona State University and soon began her broadcasting career at the CBS affiliate in Monroe, Louisiana.”
She worked at several Louisiana stations during her short career and served the public as a weekly broadcaster for PBS.
“With a strong commitment to faith, family, community, and deep Mississippi ties, Celeste is excited to explore Jackson and share Mississippi’s stories,” her biography states.
