For about two decades Emily Matson was a local powerhouse at Lily Broadcasting.
She was a popular Pennsylvania news anchor who, at 42, died suddenly.
“It is with a very heavy heart that we have learned of the passing of our beloved Erie News Now news anchor Emily Matson. 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,” reported Erie News Now.
Erie is a city in the Northwestern corner of Pennsylvania.
“She was such a talented journalist and anchor, but even more, she was an incredible friend. From being side-splittingly funny and feisty, to thoughtful and caring…I’m going to miss you Em.,” wrote Jamison Hixenbaugh, a colleague to Matson for more than 15 years wrote in a tribute on social media.
“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 CNN meteorologist Sara Tonks. “She always had a way of drawing people in and making them feel welcome, and when I first started at ENN [Erie News Now] 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,” she added.
Matson was also a two-time recipient of the “Outstanding Spot News” from the Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters.
Initially, no cause of death was released by family and friends.
UPDATED:
It has been reported that Matson’s death was ruled a suicide.
