Esteemed Pennsylvania news anchor, 42, dies suddenly as tributes pour in for journalist who covered Erie for 20 years
- Emily Matson's death was announced Monday by Erie News Now
- No cause of death was given: Matson is survived by her husband Ryan
- Matson has been reporting on Erie for 20 years and was well liked
Pennsylvania news anchor Emily Matson has died at the age of 42.
No cause of death has been given for Matson, who is survived by her husband Ryan.
Matson was last on the air Friday and her news station, Erie News Now, announced her death.
“It is with very heavy hearts that we learned of the passing of our beloved Erie News Now anchor Emily Matson,” her station's parent company said.
“Emily was a shining light in our newsroom, delivering news with the passion and love she had for the Erie community and Northwestern Pennsylvania.
“We loved Emily very much and our thoughts go out to the Matson family and her husband Ryan at this time.”
Emily Matson, 42, died suddenly, her news station announced. No cause of death was given
Matson is pictured outside her news station in Erie, Pennsylvania
Matson's colleagues said they were devastated by her sudden death.
“Emily was such a presence in the newsroom and in the studio, and I can't count how many times I stopped by her desk to talk to her or just listen to her conversations with others,” wrote meteorologist Sara Tonks.
“She always had a way of drawing people in and making them feel welcome, and when I first started at ENN, she got me included in the Secret Santa gift exchange and gave me a sign that reads “Let it Snow… Somewhere Else – Erie, PA.”
“She made me, a stranger and a baby in the industry, feel like I belonged and was always available with advice or ideas when I needed it.”
Katie McGraw, another former colleague, said her death was an “incredible loss.”
“I am heartbroken and truly devastated to share the news of the passing of my friend and former colleague,” she wrote.
“Emily and I worked together for a few years in Erie, PA.
'She and my fiancée had a very nice friendship. I have so many wonderful memories with her. She was hilarious, witty, kind, fiery, talented, wonderful and fun. She is already so missed.”
John Stehlin, who worked with her, shared a heartbreaking post on Facebook on Friday about the two eating brownies.
'It's National Brownie Day! Look what my favorite colleague brought at 7am! She's so nice! But she forgot the milk,” Stehlin captioned a photo of the two enjoying the treat.
The post has now been changed to where fans write condolences and tributes to Matson.
“I'm so sad I'll never see Emily with you again,” one person wrote. 'You were two peas in a pod. I hope she is at peace now.'
“Thinking of you and everyone who loved Emily during this devastating and difficult time,” someone else wrote.