The sudden death of celebrated Pennsylvania news anchor Emily Matson on Monday has been ruled a suicide.
Matson, 42, was struck by a train around 12:45 a.m. Monday in Fairview Township in Erie Pennsylvania, where she lived, according to the Erie County Coroner’s Office.
The Erie News Now host, who was married to police officer Ryan Onderko, was last on the air Friday before the station announced her shocking death on Monday.
“It is with very heavy hearts that we learned of the passing of our beloved Erie News Now news anchor Emily Matson,” said Scott MacDowell, news director of Erie News Now.
“Emily was a shining light in our newsroom, delivering news with the passion and love she had for the Erie community and Northwestern Pennsylvania.
“We loved Emily very much and our thoughts go out to the Matson family and her husband Ryan at this time.”
Emily Matson, 42, killed herself when she jumped in front of a train, the coroner’s office said
Since her death, glowing tributes have been pouring in for the popular news presenter, with many colleagues saying they are devastated by the news.
“Emily was such a presence in the newsroom and in the studio, and I can’t count how many times I stopped by her desk to talk to her or just listen to her conversations with others,” wrote meteorologist Sara Tonks.
“She always had a way of drawing people in and making them feel welcome, and when I first started at ENN, she got me included in the Secret Santa gift exchange and gave me a sign that reads ‘Let it Snow… Somewhere Else – Erie, PA.
“She made me, a stranger and a baby in the industry, feel like I belonged and was always available with advice or ideas when I needed it.”
Matson worked for Erie News Now for 19 years before she died. She was most recently the anchor of the 7 and 11 p.m. weekday newscasts.
Katie McGraw, another former colleague, said her death was an “incredible loss.”
“I am heartbroken and truly devastated to share the news of the passing of my friend and former colleague,” she wrote.
“Emily and I worked together for a few years in Erie, PA.
‘She and my fiancée had a very nice friendship. I have so many wonderful memories with her. She was hilarious, witty, kind, fiery, talented, wonderful and fun. She is already so missed.”
John Stehlin, who worked with her, had shared a Facebook post of the two eating brownies on Friday before she died.
‘It’s National Brownie Day! Look what my favorite colleague brought at 7am! She’s so nice! But she forgot the milk,” he wrote.
John Stehlin (left) shared a photo of himself with Matson eating brownies in the studio on Friday
Matson had been with the news station for almost 20 years
Tributes immediately poured in for the local journalist when news of her death broke
The apparently cheerful presenter’s colleagues were shocked and devastated by the news of her sudden death
A colleague remembered her as “very, very cheerful” and “a positive person”
Many fans have left a message of condolence under the photo.
“I’m so sad to hear about Emily,” one wrote. “I so enjoyed how much fun you both had on the seven o’clock news. Light and healing for all at Erie News Now.”
One person added: “John, I am truly sorry for your loss. The seven o’clock news will never be the same again. I’m so devastated, I felt like I knew her. I had the pleasure of meeting her once. Once again my heart aches for you.”
Another said: ‘Sometimes you won’t truly know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.’
“Thinking of you and everyone who loved Emily during this devastating and difficult time.”
Matson was remembered by an old colleague as “very, very optimistic.”
‘She was a very positive person. She always encouraged the new people. She always had a joke for everyone,” said Paul Wagner, who worked for Erie News Now during Matson’s entire time at the company.
During Matson’s time covering crime in Erie Pennsylvania, she developed local law enforcement resources and had a deep relationship with police.
One of those relationships was with Police Chief Dan Spizarny, who had only positive things to say about the late reporter.
‘She never had a bad day. No matter how bad the news was that day, she always left with a good feeling. You would never see her in a bad mood,” he said.
She subsequently married officer Ryan Onderko.
According to a local funeral announcement Matson’s funeral mass will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Jude RC Church. Visitation will take place the day before at Dusckas-Martin Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc.
If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or struggling with your mental health, call 988 for the suicide and crisis hotline.