A Mississippi community is grieving the sudden loss of beloved weekend anchor, Celeste Wilson. On Wednesday, August 27, WAPT confirmed that Wilson had died of an apparent heart attack at just 42 years old, leaving colleagues and viewers heartbroken.
WAPT Shares Moving Tribute To Their Talented Colleague
“We have some very sad news tonight about one of our own,” the anchors announced during a live broadcast. “Our colleague Celeste Wilson, who recently joined 16 WAPT as our weekend anchor, died from a heart attack. Celeste was only with us for a short time but we were already touched by her professionalism, her warmth and her dedication to the work of journalism.”
They added, “All of us here at 16 WAPT are heartbroken by this sudden loss, and our thoughts are with Celeste’s family and friends.”
A Promising Career Dedicated to Storytelling
According to the station, Wilson began her broadcasting career at the CBS affiliate in Monroe, Louisiana, before earning her master’s degree in journalism from Arizona State University.
Wilson also worked with KARK 4 News in Arkansas, joining the morning team in October 2023. In a statement, the station remembered her as “a bright spot” on the air.
“Team 20 is saddened by this loss, and our prayers are with her colleagues, friends and family members,” the outlet said.
A New Orleans native, Wilson graduated from Northwestern State University in Louisiana before pursuing her advanced degree. She was passionate about spotlighting community members and organizations making a positive difference.
Colleagues Remember Her Warmth
Wilson’s colleagues described her as kind, committed, and full of grace. Fellow anchor Megan West recalled one of her first interactions with Wilson at a local event.
“My beautiful colleague, Celeste Wilson, showed up to cover the Girl Scouts of Mississippi Women of Distinction Induction breakfast,” West wrote on Facebook. “She was new to our team and so lovely. We chatted about how she was adjusting to morning show hours and life a few hours from her home in Louisiana.”
West continued, “Today, I learned she died, unexpectedly, of a heart attack. It is such a shock, and our hearts are broken for her family. I treasure the memory of this last, sweet conversation.”
Many reacted to West’s moving tribute. A comment read: “Just watched her anchor this weekend and she did a fantastic job! Heartbroken for her family and colleagues..praying 🙏🏾🩷”
Another one wrote: “I am absolutely heartbroken over the loss of Celeste. She was a lovely lady. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and the WAPT family.” Commending Celeste’s incredible reporting, another comment read: “It’s heartbreaking! My prayers and thoughts are with her family, friends, and the WAPT family. I enjoyed watching her on weekends. She was an excellent fit for WAPT! Continued prayers to all who loved and knew her.🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿”
Under one of the posts, fans and viewers wrote moving messages.
A comment read: “Such heartbreaking news. May she rest in peace. ❤️” Another comment read: “🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽 A talented journalist. She will be missed.”
A Lasting Legacy in Local News
Wilson’s bio on 16 WAPT described her as someone deeply rooted in faith, family, and community. “With a strong commitment to faith, family, community, and deep Mississippi ties, Celeste is excited to explore Jackson and share Mississippi’s stories,” the statement read.
Though her time at 16 WAPT was brief, Wilson left a lasting impression on her colleagues and viewers alike. Her legacy will live on through the stories she told, the people she touched, and the passion she carried for her work.
