Meteorologist Jessica Starr has passed away after tragically taking her own life.
Fox TV paid tribute to the presenter today (Thursday 13 December), after confirming she had died at the age of 35.
On their official website, a spokesperson wrote: “Last night we were informed of the heartbreaking news that our friend and colleague, meteorologist Jessica Starr took her life.
“All of us here at FOX 2 are in deep shock and cannot believe that such a wonderful, bright and intelligent individual will no longer be with us. Her family and friends will be in our thoughts and prayers in the coming days as we all deal with our grief.”
Our hearts are broken. Last night we were informed our Jessica Starr took her life. Her Fox 2 family is deep shock and cannot believe such a wonderful, bright and intelligent woman is gone. Keep her family in your prayers in the coming days as we all deal with our grief. pic.twitter.com/z4km8Tsb9K
— Amy Andrews Fox 2 (@AmyAndrewsFOX2) December 13, 2018
Jessica leaves behind her husband Dan and two young children, Noah and Riley.
Jessica’s colleague, Sky 2 news anchor Amy Andrews, tweeted her shock today, saying: “Our hearts are broken. Last night we were informed our Jessica Starr took her life.
“Her Fox 2 family is deep shock and cannot believe such a wonderful, bright and intelligent woman is gone. Keep her family in your prayers in the coming days as we all deal with our grief.”
Fellow news anchor Roop Raj also tweeted his condolences, writing: “It is with a heavy heart that I post this. Our dear friend and colleague Jessica Starr has died.
“She leaves behind a husband, two beautiful children and a loving family. I send my deepest sympathies to her family. Our hometown girl will always be remembered fondly.”
It is with a heavy heart that I post this. Our dear friend and colleague Jessica Starr has died. She leaves behind a husband, two beautiful children and a loving family. I send my deepest sympathies to her family. Our hometown girl will always be remembered fondly. pic.twitter.com/2EjWgG9KZc
— Roop Raj (@rooprajfox2) December 13, 2018
Jessica was a Michigan native, born in Southfield and raised in Commerce Township. She received two meteorology degrees from Michigan State University and Mississippi State University before going on to TV fame.
Her last Twitter post read: “Update; yesterday was a struggle for me. I really wanted to come back but I need more time to recover. Please keep me in your thoughts during this challenging time. Will keep you updated.”
Jessica had recently had Lasik smile eye surgery to correct her eyesight after years of wearing contact lenses and had been away from work.
Tributes for the TV star have been flooding in, with many in deep shock about the tragedy.
One fan write: “RIP Jessica Starr. You never ever know what people are going through internally. Everyone deserves to feel loved and needed in this world.”
Another said: “Thoughts and prayers to all who knew Jessica Starr. Depression isn’t always something that you can see. I’ve struggled with it for 10+ yrs highs and lows. Always lift each other up, compliment people and just say hi because you never know what it will mean to that person trust me.”
“Today is a very sad day as we learn of the passing of Jessica Starr,” said another. “Please keep her family and friends in your prayers…You never know what someone is truly going through…God speed Jess..We love you forever.”
Rest in peace Jessica.
If you need to talk to someone, please contact The Samaritans who are available 24/7. You can contact them for free by calling 116 123 or visit samaritans.org.