Leslie Swick Van Ness, a former news anchor from Illinois, passed away suddenly on April 10, 2023, at the age of 42. She was on vacation with her family in Naples, Florida, when she fell ill and was taken to the hospital. Her cause of death has not been officially revealed, but it has been reported that she suffered from a short illness. Her death has shocked and saddened many people who knew her and admired her work.
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A Successful Career in Journalism
Leslie Van Ness started her career as a reporter at WGEM-TV in Quincy, Illinois, in 2003. She quickly rose to become a weekend anchor by 2006 and a weekday evening anchor by 2008. She covered many important stories and events, such as the 2008 presidential election, the 2011 Mississippi River flood, and the 2012 Quincy tornado. She was known for her professionalism, integrity, and leadership in the newsroom.
In 2016, she became a corporate recruiter for Quincy Media, a media company that owned WGEM-TV and several other stations across the country. She helped to open doors for aspiring journalists through fellowship programs and paid internships. In 2021, Quincy Media was acquired by Gray Television, a larger media company that operates more than 100 stations nationwide. Leslie Van Ness continued to work as a recruiter for Gray Television until her death.
Tributes from Friends and Colleagues
Leslie Van Ness’s death has sparked an outpouring of tributes from her friends, family, and former colleagues. Many of them have shared their memories and condolences on social media and in interviews.
Jennifer Dale, the vice president of recruiting for Gray Television, issued a statement on April 12, expressing her sorrow and sympathy. She said:
It is with a very heavy heart that we share some devastating news with you. Leslie Van Ness, who we have been so fortunate to have as part of the Gray family, passed away this morning. Leslie and Tom have two adorable little boys. Please remember them in your prayers as a group. Everyone will be informed of the arrangements.
Natalie Will, an anchor at WGEM-TV who started as an intern with Leslie Van Ness on the same day in 2003, also spoke about her friend and mentor. She said:
Leslie was an outstanding journalist. She was a leader in the newsroom. I didn’t think this was going to be difficult, so I’m sorry.
Matt Schmidt, another former colleague from WGEM-TV who worked with Leslie Van Ness for several years, described her as a person who was easy to get along with and not afraid to speak up. He said:
You know, she spoke up and was not afraid to say things. She was very commanding of the room. Our personalities just clicked together.
Many others have also expressed their love and admiration for Leslie Van Ness and how they will miss her dearly. Her passing has left a lasting impact on everyone who knew her.
Funeral Arrangements
According to her obituary, Leslie Van Ness’s funeral will take place on April 17 in Quincy, Illinois. The funeral is not open to the public and only her friends and family are welcome to attend the service at St. John’s Anglican Parish. She will be buried at Greenmount Cemetery.
She is survived by her husband Tom Van Ness, her two sons Thomas and William, her parents John and Mary Swick, her brother John Swick Jr., and many other relatives and friends.
She is also remembered as an exceptional mother and wife who taught her children the importance of reading, safety, learning, and loving. She and her husband wanted to raise the most well-rounded young men they could.
Leslie Van Ness was a remarkable woman who touched many lives through her work and personality. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
