Lesley Swick Van Ness was a former news anchor and director of talent acquisition at Gray Television. She passed away on April 10, 2023, at the age of 42, after falling ill on vacation with her family in Florida. Her cause of death remains unknown, but her colleagues and friends have paid tribute to her as a professional, a mentor, and a mother.
Contents
A Successful Career in Broadcasting
Lesley Swick Van Ness started her career as an intern at WGEM-TV, an NBC affiliate in Quincy, Illinois, after graduating from Illinois State University. She quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a reporter, a weekend anchor, and then a weekday evening anchor. She worked at WGEM-TV for over 13 years, covering various stories and events in the region.
In 2016, she decided to switch gears and became a corporate recruiter for Quincy Media, the parent company of WGEM-TV. She helped countless journalists and employees find their first jobs in broadcasting, according to her obituary. In 2021, Quincy Media was acquired by Gray Television, where Lesley Swick Van Ness continued to work as the director of talent acquisition until her death.
A Sudden Illness on Vacation
Lesley Swick Van Ness was on vacation with her husband, Tom, and their two sons in Naples, Florida, when she fell ill and was hospitalized on April 6, 2023. Four days later, she died from a sudden illness, leaving behind her family and friends in shock and grief.
The exact cause of her death has not been revealed, nor has any information about her medical condition or history. Her obituary only states that she died in Naples, without specifying the hospital or the nature of her illness.
A Legacy of Love and Respect
Lesley Swick Van Ness’s death has sparked an outpouring of condolences and tributes from her former colleagues, friends, and fans. Many have praised her for her professionalism, integrity, and passion for her work. They have also remembered her as a kind, generous, and supportive person who cared deeply for her family and community.
Jennifer Dale, the vice president of recruiting at Gray Television, issued a statement following Lesley Swick Van Ness’s death, saying, “It is with a very heavy heart that we share some devastating news with you. Lesley Van Ness, who we have been so fortunate to have as part of the Gray family, passed away this (Monday) morning.” She also asked for prayers for her husband and sons.
Matt Schmidt, a former colleague of Lesley Swick Van Ness at WGEM-TV, said, “She was very commanding of the room and, you know, spoke up and was not afraid to say things.” He also said that he always enjoyed working with her.
Tom and Neat Brower, who knew Lesley Swick Van Ness since childhood, wrote about how she always did her job with honesty. They also said that she would always have a special place in their hearts.
Lesley Swick Van Ness’s funeral was held on April 17 in Quincy, Illinois, at St. John’s Anglican Parish. It was not open to the public, but only to her close friends and family. She was buried at Mount Sinai Memorial Park in Los Angeles, California.
Lesley Swick Van Ness’s cause of death may be a mystery, but her life and work are not. She was a woman who dedicated herself to her career and her family. She was a woman who inspired and influenced many people in the media industry. She was a woman who will be missed and remembered by many. She was a woman who was Lesley Swick Van Ness.
