WAPT Weekend Anchor Celeste Wilson Dies Suddenly at 42

JACKSON, Miss.-Celeste Wilson, the weekend anchor for ABC affiliate 16 WAPT News, died unexpectedly on Wednesday from an apparent heart attack. She was 42 years old.

Wilson joined WAPT earlier this year, quickly earning a reputation for her professionalism, warmth and dedication to journalism. “Though Celeste had only been with us a short time, we were already touched by her professionalism, warmth, and dedication to the work of journalism,” the station said in a statement. “All of us here at 16 WAPT are heartbroken by this sudden loss, and our thoughts are with Celeste’s family and friends”.

A Mississippi native, Wilson began her broadcasting career at the CBS affiliate in Monroe, Louisiana. She later earned a Master’s degree in journalism from Arizona State University and served on the morning team at NBC affiliate KARK in Little Rock, Arkansas from 2023 to 2024 before moving to Jackson.

Colleagues and viewers alike have taken to social media to mourn Wilson’s passing. An early-morning post on X by SSN-Demonland announced her unexpected death, garnering hundreds of reactions overnight.

A memorial service is being planned by her family; details will be shared when available. WAPT News has set up a tribute page on its website for viewers to leave messages of condolence.