Celeste Wilson, a weekend anchor at WAPT, passed away suddenly after completing her final news segment. She had recently joined the channel and was admired for her warmth and professionalism.
A Sudden and Tragic Loss
Celeste Wilson, a news anchor for 16 WAPT, an ABC affiliate in Mississippi, died of a heart attack shortly after finishing her final news broadcast on August 25, 2025. She was just beginning her journey with the station as a weekend anchor.
Appeared Healthy in Final Appearance
In her last on-air segment, Wilson interviewed US Representative Bennie Thompson. They discussed Donald Trump’s proposal to deploy the National Guard in Washington, D.C., and other states.
Wilson looked healthy and calm during the segment, which aired on WAPT’s YouTube channel.
Tributes from Colleagues and Community
WAPT shared a heartfelt statement following her death:
“Though Celeste had only been with us a short time, we were already touched by her professionalism, warmth, and dedication to journalism.”
Peter Keith, WAPT’s President and General Manager, said:
“She was a joy to be around. Her smile could light up any room.”
Other tributes included:
Meteorologist Chase Franks (WLBT3):
“A newsroom is a close-knit community. This loss is deeply felt.”
National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ):
“NABJ mourns the loss of Celeste Wilson. Please keep her family and friends in your prayers.”
Celeste Wilson’s Background and Career
- A New Orleans native, Wilson graduated from Northwestern State University in Louisiana and earned her Master’s in Journalism from Arizona State University.
- She began her career at a CBS affiliate in Monroe, Louisiana, and worked across several local stations.
- Wilson also co-hosted a weekly PBS program and had recently relocated to Jackson, Mississippi, to join WAPT.
Wilson’s Journalism Career
Celeste Wilson was a New Orleans native. She graduated from Northwestern State University and earned a Master’s in Journalism from Arizona State University.
She began her career at a CBS affiliate in Monroe, Louisiana. Over time, she worked at multiple local stations and co-hosted a weekly program on PBS.
Wilson had recently moved to Jackson, Mississippi, excited to share community stories through her new role at WAPT.
A Life and Career Cut Short
Celeste Wilson made a strong impact in a short time. She was a respected journalist and a kind colleague. Her death is a great loss to her newsroom, her viewers, and the journalism community.
