KOLD News 13 Anchor Ana Orsini Unexpectedly Dies at 28 – Details

The friends and colleagues of the news anchor remember her for her boundless empathy and her unwavering support for those who needed it most.

KOLD News 13 anchor Ana Orsini has died at the age of 28. Her unexpected passing last week has left her family, friends, and colleagues in mourning. According to 13 News, where she had worked since June 2023, Orsini died of a brain aneurysm.

Tyler Butler, a morning anchor at KOLD News 13, announced her demise on Facebook. He wrote, "Our beloved Ana Orsini TV passed away suddenly late last week. She was truly one of a kind. Crazy passionate about helping animals, she had a great and sarcastic sense of humor, and was so dedicated to her family."

Orsini, a Denver native, began her college journey at the University of Arizona before transferring to Texas A&M. There, she earned a journalism degree with minors in communication and sports management in 2018. Her passion for delivering essential information to keep viewers and their families safe was evident throughout her career.

Orsini began her career in 2018 in Lubbock, Texas, where she worked as an anchor and reporter, covering topics from Texas Tech basketball to an investigative series on a bridal shop scam. She also launched a "Pet of the Day" segment to assist local shelters.

Orsini was known for her deep passion for rescue animals. When she wasn't celebrating Fur Baby Friday, she was busy finding forever homes for pets in need.

The news anchor always knew that she wanted to make Arizona her home. However, before returning to Southern Arizona, she spent three years in Medford, Oregon, covering major wildfires and working with shelters to help animals find homes.

Outside of work, Orsini loved relaxing with a good book by the pool and spending time with her rescue dog, Harley, often playing fetch. She was also a true crime enthusiast. She often shared her meticulously organized calendar of podcast releases, with "True Crime Obsessed" being her favorite.

When one spent time with her, they would learn very fast of her favorite quote from the show: "Let the women do the work." In the fall, her Saturdays were dedicated to college football, where she cheered for the Aggies and her sisters' alma mater, UCLA.

Orsini's colleagues have shared touching tributes about the wonderful person she was. They remember her for her endless empathy and advocacy for others, always standing up for those who needed it most.

They say she was a welcoming presence, especially for new and younger coworkers. Orsini earned a reputation across newsrooms for being a strong mentor, offering guidance in both professional and personal matters.

Known for her love of peanut butter M&Ms, platform Uggs, and pink or purple Stanley cups, Orsini brought warmth and joy at her workplace, even in the early hours of the morning.

Her colleague and friend, Dan Marries, mourned her sudden and unexpected loss, sharing how deeply heartbroken everyone is. His Instagram post consisted of a collage of pictures and videos showing how well they worked together and their strong friendship.

Marries expressed that Orsini's memory will serve as a source of strength and inspiration as he tries to move forward without her in the physical world. He wrote, "There are special people who come into our lives that will have an everlasting impact and Ana Orsini was one of them."

He added that his heart goes out to the Orsini family during this heartbreaking time. Marries emphasized the profound, unconditional love Orsini shared with her family, something he wished everyone could experience.

He also divulged, "Ana, you were one in a trillion; wise beyond your years, full of practical insight, smart, compassionate, quick-witted, and possessed a contagious love for animals, especially dogs," concluding, "Ana, you are, and will, be missed so dearly."

Carsyn Currier Mariscal, a close friend and colleague of Orsini, also posted a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, featuring a collage of moments the two shared both at work and in social settings. In her post, Mariscal expressed that although words couldn't fully capture who Orsini was, she wanted to share a few memories in honor of her dear friend.

Mariscal penned, "Ana was not only beautiful, talented, and hilarious, but she was unlike anyone I’ve ever met. To know Ana was to LOVE her. She made everyone around her feel so special, heard and understood."

Mariscal shared that while waking up in the middle of the night for work was never easy, knowing she would be working with Orsini made it more bearable. Whether Orsini was dancing on set or bringing laughter to everyone, each day the two spent together was filled with excitement and joy.

The TV host also praised Orsini, "Ana's family was everything to her. She was a proud daughter, sister, and the best dog mom to her baby boy, Harley. She was an advocate for animals, women's rights, and one heck of a friend."

Mariscal noted that although time will go on, the memories of Orsini will remain with her forever. "I love you forever, Ana. You'll always be the Bratz Doll to my Barbie Doll. 💖 Rest in Peace, sister. 🕊️✨ I promise to keep living fully for YOU," vowed Mariscal.

Butler, who was glad to have been a small part of Orsini's work family, honored her by sharing a memory. About a week ago, he sent Orsini a picture of a custom Lego character they had created of her, featuring her dog and a "Let the women do the work" shirt.

Butler narrated, "She loved true crime podcasts and so I set her up outside the police department sitting on a bench with the chief. She said 'THATS THE PERFECT SPOT FOR ME .' That's where she will stay. Glad I have this memory to hold onto."

Butler has urged everyone who knew Orsini to take a moment to remember her, reflecting on the times she made them laugh or offered a new perspective. He noted that although her life was cut short, her memory will endure. Butler added that Orsini's mantra, "Let the women do the work," will continue to resonate for years to come.