Arizona news anchor breaks down in tears announcing death of 28-year-old colleague

An Arizona news anchor burst into tears on air as she revealed the tragic news that a "beloved" colleague had died.

Ana Orsini, 28, had been a morning anchor for the Tucson-based CBS affiliate 13 News, and tragically passed away suddenly last week.

According to KOLD-TV, Orsini died from a brain aneurysm, as the station paid tribute to the much-loved presenter.

Orsini's co-workers Tyler Butler and Carsyn Currier shared the sad news in Monday's broadcast.

Currier told viewers: "Ana had been here at 13 News since June of 2023 and we are devastated by this loss."

She was seen breaking into tears as her voice shook delivering the message, while Butler gently laid his hand on her to comfort her.

They revealed that they were wearing pink in honor of Orsini's favorite color, as they showed a series of clips of the young anchor.

Butler added: "We had the opportunity to work with every day and we do want you to know that what you saw with her on-air, the funny, crazy person she was – she was just like that off camera and more so."

Currier shared a tribute to Orsini on Instagram, writing: "While there isn’t enough time for me to truly describe the incredible person Ana Orsini was, there are a few things I’d like to say in remembrance of one of my best friends.

"Ana was not only beautiful, talented, and hilarious, but she was unlike anyone I’ve ever met. To know Ana was to LOVE her. She made everyone around her feel so special, heard and understood. Waking up in the middle of the night to go to work is always challenging, but knowing I was going to work with Ana made it that much easier.

"Whether she was dancing around the set or making us all laugh, everyday with Ana was an adventure. Ana’s family was everything to her. She was a proud daughter, sister, and the best dog mom to her baby boy, Harley. She was an advocate for animals, women’s rights, and one heck of a friend.

"Time may pass, but my memories of Ana will never fade. I love you forever, Ana. You’ll always be the Bratz Doll to my Barbie Doll. Rest in Peace, sister. I promise to keep living fully for YOU."

Butler also shared a tribute on Facebook, writing: "We have some truly sad news to share this morning. Our beloved Ana Orsini TV passed away suddenly late last week. She was truly one of a kind.

"Crazy passionate about helping animals, she had a great and sarcastic sense of humor, and was so dedicated to her family. She LOVED her family and talked about them all the time.

"I’m glad to have been a small part of her work family. Please take a moment today to think about Ana. A time she made you laugh or think about something in a different way.

"She was too young, but we can remember her always. For years to come, we’ll be repeating her mantra. 'Let the women do the work!'"

A tribute shared on the station's website added: "Ana’s friends and coworkers remember her as someone with bottomless empathy who always stood up for 'the little guy.' She was a smiling face most especially for all her newest and youngest coworkers, and she is known in all the newsrooms where she worked for taking them under her wing and being a strong mentor for both work and life.

"Rescue animals were her passion, and if she wasn’t celebrating Fur Baby Friday, she’d be trying to find a new home for a cutie in need," adding that she also loved true crime documentaries and podcasts.

Orsini was remembered as a "peanut-butter-M&M-loving, platform-Ugg-wearing, pink-or-purple-Stanley-toting ray of sunshine, even at 4:00 in the morning," with her family asking people to donate to a local animal charity in her honor.

Ana Orsini was just 28 years old. Credit: 13News

The Colorado native had attended the University of Arizona before transferring to Texas A&M where she graduated in 2018 with a degree in journalism and double minor in communications and sports management.

Her first job in television was as an anchor and reported in Lubbock, Texas, before spending three years as a morning and midday anchor in Medford, Oregon.

She joined KOLD-TV in June 2023 and quickly became a popular figure with colleagues and viewers alike.

Our thoughts remain with her family, colleagues, and friends at this difficult time.

Featured image credit: 13News