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Who was Leslie Swick Van Ness?
Leslie Swick Van Ness was a former news anchor and corporate recruiter who worked for WGEM-TV and Gray Television. She was born on December 28, 1980, and grew up in Morton, Illinois. She graduated from Illinois State University with a degree in Bachelor of Science Cum Laude. She started her career as an intern at WGEM and rose to become a weekend anchor in 2006 and a weekday evening anchor in 2008. She left WGEM in 2016 and joined Quincy Media as a recruitment specialist. She later moved to Gray Television after Quincy Media was acquired by Gray in 2021. She was involved in creating fellowship programs, paid internships, and job opportunities for journalists. She was married to Thomas Van Ness and had two sons.
How did Leslie Swick Van Ness die?
Leslie Swick Van Ness died on April 10, 2023, at the age of 42, after falling ill while on vacation with her family in Naples, Florida. She was hospitalized on April 6, 2023, after suffering from a sudden illness. The exact cause of her death was not revealed, but it was speculated that she might have had a heart attack. Her death was confirmed by Jennifer Dale, the Gray Television Vice President, who said that Leslie was on vacation with her family at the time of her death. She also asked for prayers for Leslie’s husband and two sons.
How did people react to Leslie Swick Van Ness’s death?
Leslie Swick Van Ness’s death was met with shock and grief by her friends, family, colleagues, and fans. Many people paid tribute to her on social media and shared their memories of working with her or watching her on TV. Some of the people who expressed their condolences were Ed Reams, the VP and General Manager at 13 WREX, who was a close friend and former colleague of Leslie; Tom and Neat Brower, who knew Leslie since childhood and praised her honesty and professionalism; Matt Schmidt, who worked with Leslie at WGEM and described her as commanding and fearless; and Laura Miers, who was a former intern of Leslie and thanked her for being a mentor and a role model. Leslie was remembered as a talented and passionate journalist, a loving wife and mother, and a kind and generous person.
What is the legacy of Leslie Swick Van Ness?
Leslie Swick Van Ness left behind a legacy of excellence and integrity in journalism and broadcasting. She was a respected and admired anchor who covered many important stories and events in Illinois and beyond. She was also a dedicated and supportive recruiter who helped many aspiring and young journalists find their first jobs and pursue their dreams. She was a role model and an inspiration for many people who wanted to follow her footsteps. She was also a devoted and caring family member who cherished her husband and sons. She will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her and watched her.
Sources
- What Is Lesley Van Ness Death Cause: Former NBC Anchor Dies On Vacation according to MSN
- What happened to Lesley Swick Van Ness? Tributes pour in as former Illinois anchor dies on vacation aged 42 according to Sportskeeda
- Beloved Illinois News Anchor Passes Away From ‘Sudden Illness’ During Florida Vacation according to Knewz
- NBC anchor Lesley Swick Van Ness, 42, dies after falling ill on holiday with her family according to MSN
