42-Year-Old Former News Anchor Dies While on Vacation with Family: 'She Was a Powerful Personality'

It is with a very heavy heart that we share this devastating news. Lesley Van Ness, who we have been so fortunate to have as part of our Gray family, passed away earlier this week. Please keep Lesley's family in your thoughts during this difficult time.https://t.co/Q4mL1LpSS3

— Gray Television (@GrayTelevision) April 14, 2023

A former Illinois news anchor died unexpectedly Monday while vacationing in Florida. Lesley Swick Van Ness, 42, joined WGEM-TV as a reporter in 2003 and became a news anchor in 2006. 

Since 2016, she had been a recruiter for the company, according to an announcement by the station. 

“Lesley had been on vacation with her beautiful family in Florida when she fell ill and was hospitalized last Thursday.” She asked for prayers for Van Ness’ family. 

No cause of death was announced.

No cause of death was announced, because there was no cause. 

These things just happen.

And they happen all the time.  

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