The 13 News family in Tucson, Arizona, is mourning the sudden and tragic passing of their beloved colleague and friend, Ana Orsini. A vibrant and skilled journalist, Ana joined 13 News in June 2023, and in just over a year, she managed to leave an indelible mark not only on her newsroom colleagues but also on the Tucson community at large. At the time of her passing, Ana was 34 years old, and her unexpected death has sent shockwaves through the broadcasting community and beyond, leaving many grappling with the loss of a bright and compassionate presence in their lives.
Ana Orsini’s journey into journalism was marked by hard work, relentless determination, and an insatiable curiosity about the world around her. Born and raised in a small town outside of Denver, Colorado, Ana grew up with a deep appreciation for storytelling and an early fascination with the power of the media. Her love for journalism led her to pursue a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism from the University of Colorado Boulder. During her time at university, Ana excelled both academically and in her extracurricular pursuits, serving as editor-in-chief of the student news station and receiving multiple accolades for her reporting. Her professors described her as a natural leader with an innate ability to connect with people—a quality that would define her career in the years to come.
After graduating with honors, Ana began her professional journey at a small TV station in Billings, Montana, where she cut her teeth as a general assignment reporter. Her ability to tackle tough topics with grace and clarity quickly gained attention, and she was promoted to anchor within two years. She covered everything from severe weather and local politics to community events and human-interest stories, consistently earning praise for her professionalism and empathetic approach. From Billings, Ana’s career took her to markets in Kansas City and Albuquerque before she finally found her way to Tucson, Arizona, where she joined 13 News in the summer of 2023 as a co-anchor for the station’s flagship evening news program.
In Tucson, Ana flourished both professionally and personally. She was not only a trusted voice delivering the news each night but also an active participant in the community she loved. Whether she was volunteering at local shelters, attending community fundraisers, or speaking to aspiring young journalists at schools, Ana made a point of building genuine connections with the people around her. Her warm demeanor, radiant smile, and infectious laughter were unforgettable. Colleagues and community members alike admired her ability to put people at ease, even in the most challenging circumstances, and her newsroom coworkers often described her as the “glue” that brought everyone together.
Ana’s approach to journalism was rooted in her belief that stories could change lives. She was passionate about amplifying voices that often went unheard, and her reporting frequently highlighted issues of social justice, education, and healthcare. One of her most impactful stories at 13 News focused on the challenges faced by underfunded schools in southern Arizona. Through weeks of in-depth reporting, Ana brought attention to the disparities in funding and resources, ultimately sparking a community-wide conversation and leading to local efforts to address the problem.
Despite the pressures of working in a fast-paced newsroom, Ana’s colleagues recall her as someone who never wavered in her commitment to integrity and kindness. She was the first to step up when someone needed help, whether it was to assist with a breaking news segment or to offer words of encouragement to a coworker feeling overwhelmed. One producer fondly remembered how Ana once stayed late after a particularly tough broadcast to help them rewrite scripts for the next day, all while cracking jokes to lighten the mood. “She was the heart of our newsroom,” the producer said. “She made you feel like everything would be okay, even when it seemed like the world was falling apart.”
Ana’s dedication to her craft extended far beyond the newsroom. She was a lifelong learner, constantly seeking ways to improve her skills and stay informed about the issues that mattered most to her audience. She attended journalism conferences, participated in workshops, and networked with other journalists across the country. Her peers often remarked on her incredible work ethic and her ability to balance the demands of her career with her unwavering commitment to her family and friends.
Ana’s death has left a profound void in the lives of those who knew and loved her. While the details surrounding her passing remain private, the impact of her loss is immeasurable. Tributes have poured in from colleagues, viewers, and community members, all of whom remember Ana not just as a talented journalist but as a kind, genuine, and compassionate human being. One viewer wrote, “Ana had a way of making you feel like she was talking directly to you through the screen. She brought so much warmth and authenticity to her broadcasts, and she will be deeply missed.”
Her family, devastated by the sudden loss, released a statement thanking the Tucson community for their outpouring of support and love. “Ana was more than we could have ever asked for—a daughter, a sister, a friend, and a bright light in so many people’s lives. We are heartbroken, but we take comfort in knowing how deeply she was loved by everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.”
As the Tucson community continues to process this tragic loss, plans are underway to honor Ana’s memory in meaningful ways. 13 News has announced the establishment of the Ana Orsini Memorial Journalism Scholarship, which will support aspiring young journalists who share Ana’s passion for storytelling and commitment to making a difference. Additionally, the station will dedicate a segment of its evening broadcast to celebrating Ana’s life and legacy, sharing memories and stories from those who knew her best.
Ana’s passing is a reminder of the fleeting nature of life and the importance of cherishing every moment. Her colleagues at 13 News have vowed to carry forward her spirit of integrity, kindness, and dedication, ensuring that her legacy lives on through the work they do each day. While the newsroom will never be the same without her, the impact she made in her short time there will resonate for years to come.
In reflecting on Ana’s life, it becomes clear that her greatest legacy lies not in the stories she told, but in the lives she touched. Her unwavering commitment to truth, her boundless compassion, and her ability to connect with people on a deeply human level are qualities that will continue to inspire everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. Though her time was far too short, Ana Orsini’s light will shine brightly in the memories of all who loved her, and her impact on the Tucson community will never be forgotten.
