The cause of death of a 42-year-old northwest Pennsylvania local TV news anchor has been ruled a suicide, officials said Tuesday.
Emily Matson died after being struck by a train in Fairview Township, where she lived, according to The Erie Times-News. Erie County Coroner Lyell Cook told The Post Tuesday that the woman had killed herself, adding that the evidence was “indisputable.”
The sad news comes as colleagues at Erie News Now remember the news station’s 19-year veteran.
“He was very, very optimistic,” Paul Wagner, a retired Erie News Now reporter who has worked there for 41 years, told the local paper.
“He is a very positive person. He always encourages new people. He was always joking for everyone.”
Matson joined WICU-TV in 2004 after graduating college and working as an overnight producer, according to his online bio.
He later became a general assignment reporter focusing on crime while maintaining a cheerful personality.
“Emily is fearless and unfiltered,” Lisa Adams, a veteran reporter and anchor at Erie News Now reportedly said.
“I think those are two things that make him a great member of our news team. We were just devastated,” added Adams.
Emily Matson died by suicide, according to Erie County officials. Facebook / Emily Matson News
“She expects a lot of herself and expects a lot of other people in the newsroom,” her former colleague continued, adding that she was “very beautiful” but also “100% herself.”
Journalist Jamison Hixenbaugh recalled how he guided inexperienced reporters in small television markets with good humor.
“Split the sides,” he reportedly said.
“He’s great. He is one of the funniest people I know.”
Matson enjoys a good relationship with local sources, including Erie Police Chief Dan Spizarny, who calls him a “regular” at the police station.
Matson is described as “a very positive person.” Erie News Now
“He was always cheerful,” Spizarny told the newspaper. “He never had a bad day. No matter how bad the news was that day, he always went out of his way to make you feel good. You will never see him in a bad mood.”
Matson was also seen on the air in Guam and in the US Virgin Islands where he anchored and produced newscasts.
“Whatever he was asked to do, he excelled at it,” Adams said. “No matter what he was asked to do, he stepped up to do it with style and grace.”
Matson wrote in his professional biography that he felt he was “really making a difference in the Erie community, meeting new people and telling stories that affect everyone every day,” adding that he loves his job because every day is different.
“I must be dreaming! An anchor gig in my hometown! I’m so happy to be in Erie, telling stories that impact my neighbors every day.”
Her “devastated” colleagues remember her “fearless” spirit. Facebook / Emily Matson News
Funeral services for Matson are set for Friday and Saturday in Millcreek Township, and are sure to be filled with the countless number of people the television personality created.
“He was a positive influence on everybody,” said Erie News Now retiree Paul Wagner.
“You’d come in from a hard day, and he’d tell a joke and make everyone feel better.”
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 24/7 at 988 or go to SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
