Wisconsin Anchor Dies Suddenly

Some very sad news out of a Wausau, Wisconsin newsroom.

WAOW’s morning anchor Neena Pacholke has died suddenly over the weekend.

“The entire team here at News 9 are absolutely devastated by the loss as we know so many others are as well,” a statement from WAOW reads in part. “Neena loved this community and the people who lived here. She was a kind person with a big heart and a contagious smile and we will miss her greatly.”

Pacholke started with WAOW in spring 2017 after graduating from the University of South Florida. She worked her way into an anchor role in early 2019, then signed an extension to her contract in 2021.

The station did not say what the cause of death was but urged viewers to seek mental health resources if they were struggling.

Our condolences to her family and co-workers.