A Tennessee news anchor has sadly died aged 38 leaving her colleagues and viewers shocked upon hearing the news.
Amanda Hanson, a beloved local TV news anchor passed away at age 38, as per an announcement made by Action News 5 which was posted to X, formerly Twitter.
"We are devastated to announce the loss of our colleague Amanda Hanson," the post read.
"Amanda, a beloved journalist, Memphian, colleague and friend, joined the Action News 5 team in 2021 and was the driving force behind the Action News 5 Digital Desk. She was 38 years old," it concluded.
The news station also dedicated an article to Hanson where she was described as creative and hard-working.
"She worked tirelessly to build that coverage behind the scenes with her own bottomless well of energy and creativity," the team stated. "Amanda’s infectious energy, unwavering dedication to our team, and innovative spirit propelled us to new heights. As a key member of the news management team, she served as a close advisor on all things digital, especially excelling in social media."
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Amanda was described as an "extraordinary person."
"Her recent marriage to Darren brought her immense joy, evident in a recent video her sister shared of them dancing in their newly remodeled kitchen. Her renovation tales never failed to bring laughter to our group, with Amanda often laughing the hardest," her colleagues recalled.
In a separate post titled 'Remembering Amanda Hanson', K8 News - a local Arkansas TV station where Hanson had worked from 2010 to 2015 and then again from 2018 to 2021 - stated that the news anchor had suffered a "medical emergency" from which she suffered further "complications."
No other details about the emergency were given, though they also described her as "a great journalist and dear friend to many" before revealing that she loved to cook, hike, and spend time with her dog Asher.
Tributes flooded in from other concerned viewers, with one user writing: "This is Awful. Amanda was a wonderful person who really loved the news biz. Life really isn’t fair. My condolences to her family."
"This is terribly sad. I knew her professionally (via email only) and she was always so nice. What a huge loss," another added.
A third commented: "My condolences go to all of Amanda’s family ..friends and coworkers . I know what a shock this must be ! Thoughts and prayers to all of you."
This X-user described the news as "Cruelly unfair at just 38," adding: "I’m so sorry y’all."
Q1075, a radio station at which Hanson was a weekend DJ also published a tribute under the news channel's post writing: "We at Flinn Broadcasting are saddened by the passing of Amanda. Amanda was apart of our team for a period in the early 2000’s as a weekend DJ. Her energy and passion for life and her love for her family was one of kind. We are thinking and praying for her husband and family."
Her former colleague Ryan Vaughan wrote on Facebook: "Amanda Hanson was a great journalist, fun coworker, and so genuine. As much as we are hurting, I can’t imagine how hard this is for her family. Pray for them. Such a huge loss."
And Justin Logan from Fox 56 Weather added: "I’m heartbroken to share that my dear friend, longtime colleague and Dance Party Friday buddy, Amanda Hanson KAIT, has died. Please keep her family and friends in your prayers."
"She was a light. She was kind. She helped everyone. She loved people. What you saw on TV was who she was. She was my dear friend and I’m just heartbroken. I’m so thankful for the memories, so many wonderful memories," Logan continued. "I know her location. She’s in heaven dancing with Jesus and watching over all of us. I love and miss you, Amanda. Thank you for being a friend!"
Our thoughts are with Amanda's loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.