NBC anchor Lesley Swick Van Ness, 42, Dies While Vacationing with Family

The host of WGEM-TV was vacationing with her husband, Tom, and two young boys when she became sick and passed away on Monday in Naples.

She was an executive for its corporate parent, Gray Television, and is considered a celebrity in her hometown of Morton, Illinois.

Gray Television's vice president of recruiting, Jennifer Dale, stated in a statement, "It is with a heavy heart that we share some devastating news with you."

She added, "Lesley Van Ness, who we have been so fortunate to have as part of the Gray family, passed away on Monday morning. Lesley 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," she continued.

The journalist's colleagues have described her as a powerful force who did her job with integrity. 

The TV host died on April 10 after suffering from a sudden illness.

According to her LinkedIn page, Van Ness began her career as an intern at WGEM-TV before being employed by the Quincy station after graduating from Illinois State University.

She posted on LinkedIn about her last job, which she had for over nine years.

In 2006, she was promoted to weekend anchor, and in 2008, she began hosting weekday evening and late-night newscasts.

Van Ness changed careers in 2016 when her family priorities changed, becoming a corporate recruiter for Quincy Media, which was acquired by Gray Television in 2021.

"Now, I have the incredible opportunity to grow Gray's recruitment initiative into one of the best in this industry," Van Ness said on LinkedIn, where she was working as their director of talent acquisition at the time of her death.

Many of Van Ness' coworkers mourned her loss, reflecting on her influence on them personally and professionally.

WGEM meteorologist Brian Inman told the station, "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 impacting the community."

A Quincy Media colleague stated she "helped countless journalists and employees find their first jobs in broadcasting, and she was the picture of health, positivity, and energy."

Anchor Jenise Rebholz shared a story that showed her heart. She wrote that after she announced her own pregnancy, Van Ness handed me a stack of 20+ maternity work dresses she no longer needed.

"She didn't ask for anything in return," Rebholz said. "She loved helping the younger generation of news people, especially women. She was a true cheerleader."

Natalie Will, a Lesley coworker, wrote, "From the first conversation I had with her, I knew she was a force to be reckoned with."

"She was fierce and driven, as well as loyal, compassionate, and caring," said the anchor. She will be greatly missed."