Jackson, Miss. – The WAPT news family is mourning the loss of Celeste Wilson, the station’s weekend anchor, who died unexpectedly from a heart attack. She was 42.
The station announced Wilson’s passing on Wednesday, August 27, sharing the heartbreaking news on-air and through social media.
“We have very sad news. Our colleague, Celeste Wilson, who recently joined WAPT as our weekend anchor, has passed away. All of us are heartbroken by this sudden loss, and our thoughts are with Celeste’s family and friends,” the station wrote.
A New Orleans native, Wilson earned her Master’s degree in journalism from Arizona State University before starting her career at a CBS affiliate in Monroe, Louisiana. She later worked with Louisiana Public Broadcasting, serving as a morning reporter and anchor for KARK in Little Rock, Arkansas, before leaving in 2024.
Earlier this year, Wilson joined 16 WAPT in Jackson as a weekend anchor, where colleagues praised her professionalism, warmth, and passion for storytelling.
“Though Celeste had only been with us a short time, we were already touched by her professionalism, warmth, and dedication to the work of journalism,” the station said in a statement.
Her sudden passing has sent shockwaves through the journalism community, with friends and former colleagues sharing condolences and remembering her as a dedicated journalist who left a lasting impression.
WAPT viewers and staff alike expressed their grief online, sending love and prayers to Wilson’s family during this difficult time.
