Anchors at the CBS affiliate KOLD-TV in Tucson, Arizona paid an emotional tribute to their late colleague, , on air.
“Sad news to share with you, our beloved friend and co-anchor Ana Orsini passed away unexpectedly last week,” anchor told viewers during the Monday, December 16 broadcast.
Co-anchor — who was visibly upset and fighting back tears — added that Orsini had been a member of the station since June of 2023 and that the group is “devastated by this loss.” Butler supportively grabbed Currier’s hand as the journalists reflected on their friendship with Orsini.
“We had the opportunity to work with her 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 said.
Currier explained that her and Butler’s outfits were picked out today with Orsini in mind. Butler rocked a blue suit paired with a baby pink tie, while Currier donned a magenta cardigan sweater.
“And of course we’re wearing pink just for her,” Currier said. “While there’s no perfect way to remember the life Ana led, we do want to honor her by sharing some of our favorite Ana moments.”
The clip then cut to a reel of several of Ana’s previous broadcasts with the network.
According to the outlet, Orsini unexpectedly died one week earlier as the result of a brain aneurysm. She was 28 years old. Orsini’s family told KOLD-TV that they wanted the late journalist to be “remembered for the bright, sunny person she was.”
In lieu of donations, the family encouraged viewers to donate to their local animal shelters in honor of Orsini, since the journalist was an avid animal enthusiast and “never met a dog she didn’t love.” Orsini had her own rescue dog named Harley.
In addition to the broadcast, several of Orsini’s coworkers paid tribute to her online.
“There are special people who come into our lives that will have an everlasting impact and Ana Orsini was one of them. Our thoughts and sincerest prayers are with the Orsini family during this incredibly tragic time,” anchor Dan Marries wrote via Instagram on Monday. “The unconditional love she shared with them is something I wish everyone could be blessed with. Ana, you were one in a trillion; wise beyond your years, full of practical insight, smart, compassionate, quick-witted, and possessed a contagious love for animals, especially dogs.”
Before joining the KOLD-TV staff, Orsini worked as an anchor in Medford, Oregon and reporter in Lubbock, Texas. During her time in Texas, Orsini launched her “Pet of the Day” segment, where she highlighted and helped local shelter animals.
