Emmy Award-winning TV journalist dies aged 48 after pancreatic cancer diagnosis
Local NY1 news anchor Ruschell Boone has died just 17 months after she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
The journalist, who won multiple Emmy Awards for her work, was just 48 years old when she died. Ruschell, who spent more than two decades working at the New York City news channel, passed away on Sunday evening.
News of her tragic death was announced by NY1 in an internal memo at the company. In the statement, Ruschell was remembered as someone who was "principled" and "dedicated" to her work.
"She was a dedicated and principled journalist to the very end," the memo read. "In her last week with us, she was still working on ideas for her show and sharing thoughts for making NY1 a continued beacon of truth for New Yorkers."
Ruschell Boone has died at the age of 48 (AP)The statement, which was seen by The New York Post, continued: "Ruschell recently shared that every day we spend with our loved ones is a victory. Ruschell made every moment feel victorious and every day feel special.
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"We're heartbroken we won't get to have more days with her." The statement also said she would be remembered for her "outstanding journalism" and her ability to connect with others.
She was also remembered by the station as "effervescent in every sense of the word." They continued: "She was, simply put, a joy to be around."
Tributes have since been pouring in for Ruschell. New York City Mayor Eric Adams posted on Twitter: "Ruschell Boone was a fighter. She took on her battle with cancer with strength, and grace, while never losing focus as she delivered the news to the city she loved so much. My prayers are with her family and friends, and all her colleagues at @NY1."
The journalist was diagnosed with cancer last summer (Instagram)"Such sad news to read. I loved watching @RuschellBoone as a reporter and anchor. My condolences and prayers to her family," one fan wrote. Another said: "Ruschell Boone had such an incredible energy! And fought such a courageous fight. May she rest in peace," while a third fan added: "RIP Ruschell Boone NY1 will never be the same."
Ruschell was first diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in June 2022 after she was rushed to the emergency room amid horrible stomach pains. Doctors issued a CT scan, which confirmed the sad news.
The TV star admitted she burst into tears after receiving her diagnosis. "I just started wailing, crying and looking at my husband, thinking I heard it incorrectly," she revealed. Ruschell added: "I thought, 'Oh my God, I'm dead … My kids are going to grow up without a mother'."
Tributes have been pouring in for Ruschell (AP)The award-winning journalist stepped away from her job to undergo chemotherapy treatment. She later returned to the air in March.
However, just four months later, Ruschell told her social media followers that the cancer had returned. She said things had taken a turn for the worse, with the disease having spread to her liver.
She wrote: "I'm very touched by all who reached out to see how I'm doing. Unfortunately, my cancer has metastasized in my liver and I’m back in treatment. It's rough, but the chemo is working. Prayers have carried me through the difficult moments. Thank u for rooting for me."
Following her diagnosis, the NY1 anchor became an advocate for awareness against pancreatic cancer. She even took part in the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network’s Purple Stride in April and attended the Memorial Sloan Kettering’s Comedy vs. Cancer fundraiser. The journalist is survived by her husband Todd and two sons - Jackson, 12, and Carter, nine.
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