The Wisconsin morning newscaster and former college basketball player died suddenly Saturday of an apparent suicide at the age of 27.
The news of WAOW anchor Neena Pacholke’s death has left her family and colleagues stunned.
“Our Beloved Morning Anchor Nina Pacholke Passed Away Suddenly Saturday” 9WAOW said in a statement“The entire News 9 team is completely devastated by the loss as we know many others are as well.”
Pacholque, who grew up in Tampa and played basketball at the University of South Florida, was engaged to marry his older sister Caitlin Pacholque when he died. told the Tampa Bay Times.
“She was like a little ball of sunshine and her smile was amazing,” Kaitlyn Pachalk said Monday morning. was a person.”
One of Pacholke’s last posts on Twitter was a retweet from author Jon Gordon about positivity and believing the best is yet to come.
“We are not positive because life is easy. We are positive because life can be hard,” Gordon wrote in his first tweet. “Give yourself (and others) grace. Tell your life and inspire others. Look for the good in today. Remember WHY. The best is yet to come.” Please believe me not.”
News 9 and Pacholke’s co-anchor also cited Pacholke’s smile and bubbly personality in their compliments.
The broadcaster said, “She was a kind person with a big heart and a smile that attracted people. We miss her.”
Her co-anchor Brendan McKee said that Pacholke is “the brightest light in the room” and has “the biggest smile and the funniest laugh.”
“I have never met anyone in my life who loved me more than this girl,” McKay said. wrote in obituary On facebook. “She made people smile every day, whether it was on the TV screen or just being a great friend. She was so happy, vibrant and a role model.”
According to her website, Pacholke joined the news station in May 2017 as a multimedia journalist and was promoted to anchor in February 2019.
She graduated from the University of South Florida and spent three seasons as a point guard.
Jose Fernandez, head coach of the USF women’s basketball team, said the organization was “devastated” by Pacholque’s death.
“Our prayers are with the Pacholque family during this very difficult time. Please keep them in mind,” Fernandez said in a statement posted on Twitter.
Kaitlynn Pacholke said you can never really know what a person is going through.
“Sometimes no matter how much you think you know someone, you have no idea what a person is going through. …My sister had access to every resource you could imagine,” she told the Tampa Bay Times. “She was loved by everyone. She was very good at her job.”
Kaitlynn Pacholke said her sister has a talent for making people feel special and important, whether they’ve known it for five minutes or a lifetime.
“She radiated love and positivity. She cared so much about infusing others and always put others first.” I think they paid for it.”
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or experiencing a mental health crisis and live in New York City, call 1-888-NYC-WELL for free, confidential crisis counseling. I can do it. If you live outside the five wards, dial the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 or Suicide PreventionLifeline.org.
