WAPT anchor dies of heart attack at 42 shortly after starting at Mississippi TV station
JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI: A 42-year-old news anchor, Celeste Wilson, died suddenly of a heart attack shortly after starting a new job at a Mississippi-based TV news station, WAPT, as a weekend anchor.
WAPT anchor Troy Johnson revealed the news on air and said, "We have some very sad news tonight about one of our own. Our colleague Celeste Wilson, who recently joined 16 WAPT as our weekend anchor, died from a heart attack."
TV Anchor Celeste Wilson has died suddenly from a heart attack after being required to get the shots to report the news.
— Died Suddenly (@DiedSuddenly_) August 30, 2025
During the pandemic Celeste worked at KNOE-TV in Monroe, Louisana, which is owned by Gray Television. ALL staff were required to be fully vaccinated “as a… pic.twitter.com/9u2CxAlwWl
Celeste Wilson's colleagues were 'touched by her professionalism'
Celeste Wilson's co-anchor Megan West said, "Celeste had only been with us here at 16 WAPT for a short time, but we were already touched by her professionalism, her warmth, and her dedication to the work of journalism."
Wilson started her journalism career at a CBS affiliate in Monroe, Louisiana, before eventually arriving at the Jackson, Mississippi, ABC affiliate.
View this post on Instagram
A native of Louisiana, Wilson graduated from Northwestern State University before getting a master’s degree at Arizona State University, as per her news anchor profile, which remains on the station’s website.
Her profile said, "While she has held various roles throughout her professional career, her passion for journalism and storytelling drove her to pursue a path in Broadcast Journalism."
View this post on Instagram
Before joining WAPT, she worked at many other stations, including PBS.
"With a strong commitment to faith, family, community, and deep Mississippi ties, Celeste is excited to explore Jackson and share Mississippi’s stories," Wilson's profile mentioned.
Internet pays condolences after Celeste Wilson's death
Several internet users shared their thoughts and prayers for Celeste Wilson, a 42-year-old news anchor, who died suddenly of a heart attack shortly after starting a new job at a Mississippi-based TV news station, WAPT.
An online comment read, "May News Anchor Celeste Wilson rest in peace. My condolences to her family members. May her family members, loved ones, and all who knew her be comforted, as they grieve her sudden loss," while one added, "Way too young. Prayers, yes I said prayers, for her family."
A person also stated, "This is terrible news for her and her family. Rest in peace," whereas one mentioned, "Now that is tragic. Rest in peace."
A user also wrote, "What a beautiful woman... and she worked so hard to achieve her goals. She had a great work ethic. So very sorry to hear she died so young. My sincere condolences to her loved ones. Our loss is heaven's gain," while one commented, "Another healthy, young woman dead from a heart attack. We are supposed to mourn. We are supposed to grieve. We are supposed to ponder the brevity of life. We are supposed to pray for her and for her family."
"Sincerest Condolences to the family and friends of Celeste. May you find a path forward in unity, faith and the memories you shared," read another comment.
This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.
