Cal Gaunt
Lesley Swick Van Ness has tragically died aged 42.
Van Ness was a former TV news anchor who worked at WGEM, an NBC affiliate based in Illinois.
She started her career as a reporter in 2003 and worked her way up to become a weekend anchor and later, a weekday evening anchor.
Van Ness went on to become a corporate recruiter for Quincy Media in 2016.
Tragically, the 42-year-old passed away unexpectedly while on vacation with her family.
Learn more about the death of Lesley Swick Van Ness below…
Van Ness reportedly fell ill while on holiday and was taken to hospital where sadly, she then lost her life a few days later.
At the time of writing, her cause of death is unknown.
Jennifer Dale, the vice president of recruiting at Gray Television, has issued a statement about Van Ness’s death to Muddy River News.
Dale expressed the company’s sadness and asked for the public’s support for Van Ness’s family, including her husband and two young children.
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She said: “It is with a very heavy heart that we share some devastating news with you.
“Lesley Van Ness, who we have been so fortunate to have as part of the Gray family, passed away this morning (April 10).
“Lesley and her husband, Tom, have two precious young boys.
“Please keep all of them in your prayers. We will keep everyone posted on arrangements.”
Van Ness’s former colleagues have also shared their memories of her during a segment on the show.
Natalie Will, an anchor who worked with Van Ness, was emotional while speaking about her former co-worker, describing her as a phenomenal journalist and a leader in the newsroom.
“Lesley was a phenomenal journalist. She was a leader in the newsroom,” she remarked before tearing up. “Sorry… I didn’t think this was going to be hard.”
Matt Schmidt, another former colleague, spoke about Van Ness’s easygoing nature and how her personality blended well with everyone.
He said: “She was very commanding of the room and, you know, spoke up and was not afraid to say things.
“[Our] personalities just blended well.”
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Van Ness’s obituary describes her as an exceptional mother and wife, working to create opportunities for future journalists in the United States through fellowship programs and paid internships.
It also states that she was a determined parent who taught her children the importance of reading, safety, learning, and loving.
It is with a very heavy heart that we share this devastating news. Lesley Van Ness, who we have been so fortunate to have as part of our Gray family, passed away earlier this week. Please keep Lesley’s family in your thoughts during this difficult time.https://t.co/Q4mL1LpSS3
— Gray Television (@GrayTelevision) April 14, 2023
It added: “Together with (her husband), their goal was to raise the most well-rounded young men they could, regardless of their boys’ lack of enthusiasm from time to time.”
Van Ness’s passing was unexpected and left many people in shock.
Her family, friends, and colleagues are grieving her loss and have requested privacy at this time.
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