Mississippi News Anchor Celeste Wilson Dies Suddenly at 42
Celeste Wilson, a television news anchor in Mississippi who had recently joined WAPT as a weekend anchor, died suddenly from a heart attack at the age of 42, NBC’s Today show reported.
“We have some very sad news tonight about one of our own,” anchor Troy Johnson announced during a broadcast, according to Fox News.
“Celeste had only been with us a short time, but she had already touched us with her professionalism, warmth, and dedication to journalism,” co-anchor Megan West said on air.
WAPT President and General Manager Peter Keith remembered Wilson as someone who made an immediate and lasting impact.
“She was a joy to be around — a true professional with a smile that could light up a room,” he said. “In our newsroom, she raised the bar and brought out the best in others. Celeste believed journalism was a service — showing up, asking fair questions, and giving a voice to the unheard.”
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West also shared a tribute online, posting a video of Wilson during a recent Girl Scouts of Mississippi Women of Distinction Induction breakfast. “It is such a shock, and our hearts are broken for her family,” she wrote. “I treasure the memory of this last, sweet conversation.”
Wilson appeared to be in good health during her final broadcast on August 25, in which she interviewed Rep. Bennie Thompson about former President Donald Trump’s proposal to deploy the National Guard in Washington, D.C., and other states.
The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) expressed condolences in a statement on X, saying it was “grieved” by her passing. “Please keep her family and friends in your prayers,” the group wrote.
Chase Franks, a meteorologist with WLBT3, also paid tribute. “A newsroom is a close-knit community, and I know this loss is deeply felt. My thoughts are with all who knew her,” he said.
A native of Louisiana, Wilson began her career at a CBS affiliate in Monroe before moving to Jackson. She earned her undergraduate degree from Northwestern State University and a master’s from Arizona State University. Her anchor profile on WAPT described her as someone deeply committed to faith, family, and community.
“While she held many roles throughout her career, her passion for journalism and storytelling remained her driving force,” the station wrote. “All of us at 16 WAPT are heartbroken by this sudden loss. Our thoughts are with Celeste’s family and friends.”
