Celeste Wilson, 42, d!es tragically in Mississippi

The Mississippi journalism community is sad at the sudden de@th of Dorothea Celeste Wilson, a weekend anchor at WAPT in Jackson.

She d!ed suddenly at the age of 42.

Wilson, who has one child, joined WAPT early this year and soon made an impression.

The station remarked that even though Celeste had only been with us for a short time, we were already impressed by her professionalism, friendliness, and passion to journalism.

Here at 16 WAPT, we are all deeply saddened by this tragic loss, and we send our condolences to Celeste’s friends and family.

The station verified her cause of de@th on August 27. On the broadcast, the anchors remarked, “We have some very sad news tonight about one of our own.” They went on to say that Wilson had only been with them for a short time, but she had already impressed them with her professionalism, friendliness, and dedication to journalism.

Sadly, Wilson d!ed of a heart attack.

Megan West, a coworker, posted a touching tribute on Facebook that included a video of Wilson reporting on the Girl Scouts of Mississippi Women of Distinction Induction breakfast just last week.

She was new to our staff and really nice.  West added that they talked about how she was getting used to working morning hours and living a couple hours away from her family in Louisiana.

After hearing about her de@th, she said, “Today I found out that she d!ed suddenly of a heart attack.” We are very shocked, and our hearts go out to her family. I will always remember this last, beautiful talk.

Katie Garch, a meteorologist for WAPT, also paid tribute by posting, “Heartbreaking news.” It was a blessing to know her. May she find peace. Sending love and my heartfelt sympathies to the family and friends.

Christana Kay, a meteorologist and another coworker, said, “It is a numb feeling.” We are in shock. We are quite sad.After seeing Celeste on Monday and learning about the heart attack, it doesn’t seem real that this actually happened.

Celeste was always a brilliant light in a dark room. Please pray for her loved ones. This world lost a lovely, caring, and passionate person who cared about everything she did.

Wilson was born in New Orleans and got her bachelor’s degree from Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana. After that, she attended Arizona State University to earn her master’s degree in journalism.

Her WAPT biography said that although though she has done many different jobs in her career, her love of journalism and storytelling led her to choose a career in broadcast journalism.

She got a master’s degree in journalism from Arizona State University along the way and then started her broadcasting career at the CBS affiliate in Monroe, Louisiana.

She worked at a number of local stations, including KARK in Little Rock, Arkansas.

We at KARK 4 News are grieved by the de@th of Dorothea Wilson, a former morning crew member and member of the KARK family. The station reported in a tribute that she was 42 years old.

Dorothea started working for KARK as a reporter and anchor with the morning crew in October 2023. She left in August 2024.

KARK also recognized her on the radio and online, calling her “a bright spot” on their morning show.  Team 20 is grieved by this loss, and our prayers are with her colleagues, friends and family members, the station wrote.

Wilson’s biography on WAPT showed how proud she was of her job and how connected she was to the area.  Celeste is delighted to tour Jackson and share Mississippi’s stories since she is very dedicated to her faith, family, community, and her rich Mississippi roots.