The Mississippi news community is mourning the sudden death of Dorothea Celeste Wilson, a weekend anchor at WAPT in Jackson, who passed away unexpectedly at just 42 years old.
Wilson, a mother of one, joined WAPT earlier this year and quickly made an impression.
“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 said.
“All of us here at 16 WAPT are heartbroken by this sudden loss, and our thoughts are with Celeste's family and friends.”
On August 27, the station confirmed her cause of death. “We have some very sad news tonight about one of our own,” anchors said on-air, explaining that while Wilson had not been with them long, she had “already touched by her professionalism, her warmth, her dedication to the work of journalism.”
Wilson tragically passed away due to a heart attack.
Her colleague Megan West shared a heartfelt tribute on Facebook, including a video of Wilson reporting on the Girl Scouts of Mississippi Women of Distinction Induction breakfast just 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 said.
After learning of her passing, she added: “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 also paid tribute, writing: “Heartbreaking news. To have known her was a blessing. May she rest easy. Sending love and deepest condolences to the family and friends.”
Another colleague, meteorologist Christana Kay, shared: “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.”
Born in New Orleans, Wilson earned her undergraduate degree from Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana, before going on to complete a Master’s in journalism at Arizona State University.
“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,” her WAPT biography noted.
“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 went on to work at several local stations, including a stint at KARK in Little Rock, Arkansas.
“KARK 4 News is heartbroken by the loss of a KARK family member and former morning team member, Dorothea Wilson. She was 42 years old,” the station said in a tribute.
“Dorothea joined KARK in October of 2023 as a reporter and anchor with the morning team before leaving in August of 2024.”
KARK also honored her on-air and online, describing her as “a bright spot” of their morning show. “Team 20 is saddened by this loss, and our prayers are with her colleagues, friends and family members,” the station wrote.
Wilson’s biography at WAPT reflected her strong ties to the region and the pride she felt in her work. “With a strong a commitment to faith, family, community, and deep Mississippi ties, Celeste is excited to explore Jackson and share Mississippi's stories.”