A beloved news anchor who passed away last week died from a brain aneurysm, it has been revealed.
Ana Orsini’s death was announced on Monday night by CBS affiliate KOLD News13 co-anchors Tyler Butler and Carsyn Currier.
The 28-year-old was remembered for her ‘funny’, vibrant personality as Currier broke down in tears while sharing the tragic news.
‘Our beloved friend and co-anchor Ana Orsini passed away unexpectedly last week,’ Butler began.
‘Ana had been here at 13 News since June of 2023’, Currier added, struggling to hold back tears. ‘We are devastated by this loss.’
The TV host was so overcome with emotion, Butler had to step in to continue reading the station’s tribute to Orsini, while holding his co-anchor’s hand.
‘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,’ Butler recounted.
Currier was able to regain her composure in order to cue up a tribute prepared by the station.
‘Of course, we’re wearing pink just for her. And while there’s no perfect way to remember the life Ana led, we do want to honor her by sharing our favorite Ana moments with you,’ she said before a touching montage of clips featuring Orsini was broadcast.
Orsini began her journalism career in 2018 in Lubbock, Texas, as an anchor and reporter after earning her degree from Texas A&M University.
She later spent three years at NewsWatch 12 before joining KOLD News13 in Tucson, Arizona, in June 2023.
Following the emotional broadcast, both anchors took to social media to pay tribute to their cherished colleague.
‘We have some truly sad news to share. Our beloved Ana Orsini passed away suddenly late last week. She was one of a kind,’ Butler wrote on Facebook.
‘Passionate about helping animals, fiercely dedicated to her family, and blessed with a sharp sense of humor — Ana was extraordinary.
‘Please remember her today, recalling a moment she made you laugh or see the world differently. Though she left us too soon, her spirit will live on in our hearts. For years to come, we’ll be repeating her mantra: “Let the women do the work!”‘
Currier, in a moving Instagram post, described Orsini as the ‘Bratz doll to her Barbie doll’ and reflected on the joy and energy she brought to their newsroom.
‘Ana was unlike anyone I’ve ever met — beautiful, talented, hilarious, and completely genuine,’ Currier wrote.
‘She made everyone feel special, heard, and understood. Waking up early for work was easier knowing she’d be there. She was an amazing friend, a devoted daughter and sister, and the best dog mom to her beloved Harley. I promise to keep living fully in her honor. Rest in peace, sister.’
KOLD Meteorologist Cory Kowitz also paid tribute, sharing a video of memorable on-air moments with Orsini in a heartfelt post on X.
‘Last week, we lost a cherished member of our KOLD news family,’ Kowitz wrote. ‘Ana was not just our anchor but a leader, a trusted colleague, and a great friend.
‘Though our time together was far too short, I’m grateful for the memories we created. Rest in peace, Ana.’
Ashe Hajek, a former NewsWatch 12 producer, remembered Orsini as a ‘force to be reckoned with.’
‘When I first met Ana, she was confidently dressed head-to-toe in pink,’ Hajek recalled. ‘
She led with authenticity and never hesitated to push others to discover their true potential. Her compassionate heart and fearless spirit touched everyone she met. The lessons she taught me about strength, hope, and self-belief will stay with me forever.’
