Veteran PA News Anchor Dies Suddenly

ERIE, PA — Emily Matson, who spent nearly two decades as a reporter and anchor at Erie News Now WICU-TV and WSEE-TV, died Monday. She was 42.

Matson was killed when she was struck by a train in Fairview Township at around 12:45 a.m. The Erie County Coroner's Office ruled the death a suicide, according to GoErie.

An Erie native, Maston joined WICU in 2004 after graduating with a bachelor's degree in communications and media technology from Pittsburgh's La Roche University.

WICU-TV owners Lilly Broadcasting issued the following statement on Matson's death:

"Emily was a shining light in our newsroom, delivering news with a passion and love she had for the Erie community and Northwest Pennsylvania. We loved Emily dearly and our hearts go out to the Matson family and her husband Ryan at this time."

Matson most recently anchored Erie News Now weekday newscasts at 7 p.m. and 11 p.m. She was a two-time winner of the Outstanding Spot News Award from the Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters, according to Deadline.

If you or someone you know needs mental health resources and support, please call, text, or chat with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or visit988lifeline.org for 24/7 access to free and confidential services.