Esteemed Pennsylvania news anchor Emily Matson dies suddenly as tributes pour in for journalist who covered Erie for 20 years

  • Emily Matson’s death was announced on Monday by Erie News Now
  • No cause of death was given: Matson leaves behind her husband, Ryan
  • Matson has been reporting on Erie for the last 20 years and was much loved 

Pennsylvania news anchor Emily Matson has died at the age of 42.

No cause of death was given for Matson, who leaves behind her husband, Ryan.

Matson was last on air on Friday, and her news station, Erie News Now, announced her death on Monday. 

‘It is with a very heavy heart that we have learned of the passing of our beloved Erie News Now news anchor Emily Matson,’ said her station’s parent company.

‘Emily was a shining light in our newsroom, delivering news with a passion and love she had for the Erie community and Northwest Pennsylvania. 

‘We loved Emily dearly and our hearts go out to the Matson family and her husband Ryan at this time.’

Emily Matson, 42, has died suddenly, her news channel announced. No cause of death was given

Matson is pictured outside her Erie, Pennsylvania, news station

Matson is pictured outside her Erie, Pennsylvania, news station

Matson’s colleagues said they were devastated at her sudden death.

‘Emily was such a presence in the newsroom and in the studio, and I can’t count the number of times that I would stop by her desk to talk to her or just listen to her talk to 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 made sure I was included in the Secret Santa gift exchange and got me a sign that says ‘Let it Snow… Somewhere Else – Erie, PA.’

‘She made me, a stranger and a baby in the industry feel included and was always there with advice or ideas if I needed them.’

Katie McGraw, another former colleague, said her death was an ‘incredible loss.’

‘I am heartbroken and truly gutted to share the news of my friend and former coworker’s passing,’ she wrote.

‘Emily and I worked together in Erie, PA for a few years.

‘She and my fiancé had the most lovely friendship. I have so many wonderful memories with her. She was hilarious, witty, kind, fiery, talented, fabulous and fun. She is already so missed.’

John Stehlin, who worked with her, shared on Friday a post on Facebook of the two eating brownies.

John Stehlin (left) on Friday shared a photo of himself with Matson eating brownies in the studio

John Stehlin (left) on Friday shared a photo of himself with Matson eating brownies in the studio

 

Matson had been at the news station for almost 20 years

Matson had been at the news station for almost 20 years

‘It’s National Brownie Day! Look what my favorite coworker at 7 o’clock brought! She’s so kind! But she forgot the milk,’ he wrote.

Fans are now leaving messages of sympathy beneath the photo. 

‘I am so sad to hear about Emily,’ wrote one. ‘I so enjoyed how fun you both made the 7 o’clock news. Light and healing to all at Erie News Now.’

Another added: ‘John, I am truly sorry for your loss. Seven o’clock news will never be the same. I am so devastated, I felt like I knew her. I had the pleasure of meeting her once. Again my heart hurts for you.’ 

And another said: ‘Sometimes you will never truly know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.’

‘Thinking of you and all those that loved Emily during this devastating and difficult time.’

***
Read more at DailyMail.co.uk