Fans mourn TV star, 35, who took her own life
Jessica Starr, a meteorologist for Fox 2 in Detroit, has died.
According to a report on Thursday on the Fox 2 website, Starr died by suicide.
The 35-year-old recently took time off from work as she recovered from laser eye surgery — a procedure which seemed to necessitate a longer healing time than she expected.
During a Facebook Live on Nov. 13, she thanked her fans for their support after they expressed concern about where she had been when she was having surgery.
The next day, she posted online that she had returned to work too soon and needed more time to recover during the “challenging time.” That was her last post on her public page.
Fox 2 released a statement, expressing their shock and sadness at her passing.
“Last night we were informed of the heartbreaking news that our friend and colleague, meteorologist Jessica Starr took her life,” the station shared.
“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” — she was a mom to two young children — “and friends will be in our thoughts and prayers in the coming days as we all deal with our grief.”
Last night we were informed of the heartbreaking news that our friend and colleague, meteorologist Jessica Starr took her life. All of us here are in shock and cannot believe such a wonderful, bright and intelligent individual will no longer be with us. https://t.co/hK31DaPwp0
— FOX 2 Detroit (@FOX2News) December 13, 2018
Morning news anchor Amy Andrews paid tribute to her colleague on Twitter, calling Starr “a wonderful, bright and intelligent woman.” She also asked for prayers for Starr’s family.
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
Other colleagues spoke out as well:
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
The words shock and heartbreak don't come close. She was smart, hilarious, bubbly and beautiful — inside and out. Please pray for her family and also her @FOX2News family: FOX 2 meteorologist Jessica Starr passes away https://t.co/4c7FPB3gJG pic.twitter.com/iGgxhIw6yn
— Erika Erickson (@FOX2Erika) December 13, 2018
We’ve lost a dear colleague and friend in @Jstarrfox2 – please If you or a loved one is feeling distressed, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The crisis center provides free, confidential emotional support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.1-800-273-8255, or text 741-741 pic.twitter.com/KIUab3UHGE
— Amy Lange (@langeamyFOX2) December 13, 2018
So sad….the loss of my (our) friend Fox 2’s Jessica Starr. She will never be forgotten. @FOX2News @WWJ950 @Jstarrfox2 @fox2deena pic.twitter.com/wi005lFWY5
— Charlie Langton (@charlielangton) December 13, 2018
We are heartbroken over the loss of our friend Jessica Starr. We pray for her family and will miss her every day. pic.twitter.com/6MdTtdYCUq
— Jay Towers (@JayTowers) December 13, 2018
Starr was a Michigan native. She received two meteorology degrees, from Michigan State University and Mississippi State University.
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