The cause of death of a beloved 42-year-old local northwestern Pennsylvania television news anchor was ruled a suicide, officials said Tuesday.
Emily Matson died after being hit by a train in Fairview Township, where she lived, according to The Erie Times-News. Erie County Coroner Lyell Cook told The Post on Tuesday that the woman had taken her own life, adding that the evidence was “indisputable.”
The sad news came as Erie News Now colleagues fondly remembered the 19-year veteran at the news station.
“I was very, very optimistic,” Paul Wagner, a retired Erie News Now reporter who had worked there for 41 years, told the local newspaper.
“She was a very positive person. She was always encouraging new people. “She always had a joke for everyone.”
Matson joined WICU-TV in 2004 after graduating from college and worked as a nighttime producer, according to her online biography.
She then became a general assignment reporter focused on crime while maintaining a cheerful disposition.
“Emily was brave and had no filters,” said Lisa Adams, veteran reporter and anchor for Erie News Now.
“I think those were the two things that made her a great member of our news team. “We are just devastated,” Adams added.
Emily Matson committed suicide, according to Erie County officials. Facebook / Emily Matson News
“She expected a lot of herself and she expected a lot of other people in the newsroom,” her former coworker continued, adding that she was “incredibly beautiful” but also “100% herself.”
Reporter Jamison Hixenbaugh recalled humorously advising inexperienced journalists in the small television market.
“Division,” he reportedly said.
“She was great. She was one of the funniest people I ever met.”
Matson enjoyed a good relationship with local sources, including Erie Police Chief Dan Spizarny, who called her a “regular” at the station.
Matson was described as a “very positive person.” Erie News Now
“She was always upbeat,” Spizarny told the newspaper. “She never had a bad day. No matter how bad the news was that day, she always left making you feel good. “You would never see her in a bad mood.”
Matson also appeared on air in Guam and the United States Virgin Islands, where he anchored and produced newscasts.
“Anything they asked him to do, he did excellent,” Adams said. “No matter what they asked her to do, she stepped up to do it with style and elegance.”
Matson wrote in his professional biography that he felt like he was “truly making a difference in the Erie community, meeting new people and telling stories that affect everyone every day,” adding that he loved his job because every day was different.
“I must be dreaming! A hosting gig in my hometown! I’m so happy to be in Erie, telling the stories that impact my neighbors every day.”
His “devastated” colleagues remembered his “fearless” spirit. Facebook / Emily Matson News
Matson’s funeral arrangements would take place Friday and Saturday in Millcreek Township, and were sure to be filled with countless people on whom the television personality made a good impression.
“She was a positive influence on everyone,” said Erie News Now retiree Paul Wagner.
“When you came back from a hard day, she would tell a joke and make everyone feel better.”
If you are having suicidal thoughts, you can call the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 988 or visit SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.
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Source: vtt.edu.vn