Ana Orsini, a local news anchor in Tucson, Arizona, has died at the age of 28, her colleagues at KOLD News 13 announced in a heartbreaking segment on Monday.

“Our beloved friend and co-host Ana Orsini passed away unexpectedly last week,” said broadcaster Tyler Butler.

Co-host Carsyn Currier tearfully said they were “devastated” by the news.

“We had the opportunity to work with her every day and we want you to know that what you saw with her on air was the fun, crazy person that she was, just as she was off camera and even more so,” Butler said.

Her cause of death has not been revealed.

In a post on Facebook, Butler said Orsini was “truly one of a kind. She was incredibly passionate about helping animals, had a great and sarcastic sense of humor and was so dedicated to her family.”

Currier said on social media that Orsini was one of her best friends.

“Not only was Ana beautiful, talented and funny, she was unlike anyone I’ve ever met,” she wrote. “To know Anana was to LOVE her. She made everyone around her feel special, heard and understood. Getting up in the middle of the night to go to work is always a challenge, but knowing I would be working with Ana made it much easier.”

Currier added: “She was a proud daughter, sister and the best dog mother to her little son Harley. “She was an advocate for animals, women’s rights and a true friend.”

Another colleague, meteorologist Cory Kowitz, said Orsini was “our anchor, a leader of the morning team and, most importantly, a great friend to so many at the station.”

He shared with Orsini the news team’s video tribute to some of their favorite on-air moments.

Orsini has worked at KOLD News 13 since June 2023. She began her career in Lubbock, Texas in 2018 after graduating from Texas A&M University, and then worked at KDRV NewsWatch 12 in Medford, Oregon before moving to Arizona. She was born and raised in Denver, Colorado.

“Ana worked at NewsWatch 12 for three years and did everything from covering major wildfires to helping shelter animals find their forever homes,” her former employer said in a tribute.