A Detroit news station is mourning the loss of one of its meteorologists.
WJBK reported that one of its own, Jessica Starr, died of suicide Wednesday night. She was 35, according to The Detroit News, citing public records.
"Our hearts are broken. Last night we were informed our Jessica Starr took her life," anchor Amy Andrews said Thursday morning on Twitter. "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."
Detroit Free Press reported that Starr was recovering from Lasik eye surgery, which she underwent in late October, and was out from work for weeks, returning Nov. 13, according to a video on her official Facebook page.
“I do still need all the prayers and well wishes cause this is a hard go,” Starr said in the live video. “The doctor said it could take up to three months or so for me to feel 100 percent again.”
Starr said in a Nov. 14 tweet that she was taking more time off as she recovered.
“Yesterday was a struggle for me. I really wanted to come back but I need more time to recover,” she said. “Please keep me in your thoughts during this challenging time. Will keep you updated.”
Starr was a native of Michigan, earning meteorology degrees from from Michigan State University and Mississippi State University, according to Freep. She started her career as a meteorologist at WLNS and worked for four years at WBFF covering weather and community events. She had been with WJBK since 2012. She is survived by her husband, Dan, and two children, a 5-year-old son named Noah and a 3-year-old daughter named Riley.
If you or someone you love is struggling with suicide or suicidal thoughts, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 24 hours a day at 800-273-8255, or get more information at SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.
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