Heartbreaking.
A
news anchor in the US has tragically passed away weeks before she was set to get married.
27 year old Neena Pacholke died suddenly on Saturday in Wisconsin six weeks before her big day.
The morning news anchor for WAOW in Wisconsin's death was confirmed to
The Tampa Bay Times by her sister Kaitlynn.
Writing a tribute to her sister, she wrote: "My sister was by far the happiest person I thought I knew.
"Sometimes you just don't know what people are going through, no matter how much you think you know someone... my sister had access to every resource you could imagine."
Authorities were called to an incident at Neena's apartment at 11:00am on Saturday.
Her sister also wrote on Facebook: "I know she’s not in pain anymore and I am thankful for that.
"Neena - I love you more than you could ever understand. You were my very best friend. My whole world. I’m so sorry I couldn't save you."
Neena's co-anchor Brendan Mackey has described his
co-worker as "the brightest light in the room" and an "incredible friend... a role model."
Neena was also a talented basketball player but decided not to go professional to pursue her career in media.
The WAOW network released a statement on their website about her death, which read: "The entire team here at News 9 are absolutely devastated by the loss as we know so many others are as well.
"Neena loved this community and the people who lived here.
"She was a kind person with a big heart and a contagious smile and we will miss her greatly.
"We ask you to please keep her family in your thoughts at this time as we all cope with the loss.
"We will have much more on the life and legacy Neena had later in the week."
