Lesley Swick Van Ness, a reporter for the Illinois NBC station WGEM-TV, died on 10 April while on vacation in Florida with her family, know her cause of death
She had turned 42.
Van Ness was taken to the hospital in Naples, where he was eventually pronounced dead. Reports say that the news anchor got sick while on vacation with her husband and two young boys.
NBC Illinois anchor Lesley Swick Van Ness cause of death, obituary, bio, age, husband, children, family
Lesley Swick Van Ness’s died aged 42 from a “sudden illness” while on vacation with her family, according to reports but cause of death was not revealed.
She was married to Thomas Van Ness since June 2, 2012. They tied the knot at St. John’s Anglican Parish in Quincy and they have two sons Sterling Thomas and Cameron Lyle.
In a statement to Muddy River News, Grey Television, which owns WGEM-TV, where Van Ness worked as a reporter, said it was sorry for his death.
NBC News Anchor Lesley Swick Van Ness, DEAD at 42…
"DEAD SUDDENLY".. pic.twitter.com/9bMfXafhwZ
— M. Todd Trebony, MD FAAC (@doc_singing) April 15, 2023
“It is with a very heavy heart that we share some devastating news with you,” said Jennifer Dale, Gray Television’s vice president of recruiting. “Lesley Van Ness, who we have been so fortunate to have as part of the Gray family, passed away this (Monday) morning. Van had been on vacation with her beautiful family in Florida when she fell ill and was hospitalized last Thursday.”
“Lesley and her husband Tom have two precious young boys. Please keep all of them in your prayers. We will keep everyone posted on arrangements,” the statement read.
Remembering Lesley Van Ness: Her career at WGEM-TV and he legacy
Van Ness started working in the media in 2003 at WGEM-TV, an NBC sister station in Quincy, Illinois. Three years later, she was hired as a weekend anchor, and in 2008, she was in charge of the daily evening and late-night shows.
Her LinkedIn page says that Van Ness became a talent acquisition specialist for Quincy Media in 2016. At the time of her death, she was in charge of finding new talent for Grey Television.
Matt Schmidt, who was a news reporter at WGEM-TV from 2007 to 2014, said of the late news anchor, “She had a strong personality. She could walk into the office and take over right away.” He added, “She just had a commanding presence about her. Sitting on the news desk was an awesome experience.”
Colleagues Remember Lesley Van Ness’ Dedication
WGEM-TV meteorologist Brian Inman also praised Van Ness’s work ethic, saying, “She wasn’t afraid to do the dirty work and wasn’t afraid to work the extra hour, especially if it was something that was really impacting the community.”
On April 17, Van Ness’ funeral was held at Quincy’s St. John’s Anglican Parish. People in the community and in the broadcasting business have shown a lot of sympathy and support for Van Ness since the news of her death spread.
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