Grieving daughter of beloved Pennsylvania news anchor Emily Matson pays tribute to her late mother after she was struck by a train and her death ruled a suicide
The daughter of famed Pennsylvania news anchor Emily Matson paid loving tribute to her late mother following her sudden death, which was ruled a suicide.
On Tuesday, Emily Onderko shared a photo of herself with Matson on Facebook, writing, “The most beautiful person I know, inside and out.”
The Erie News Now anchor is also survived by her police officer husband, Ryan Onderko, and their son, Kyle. The couple also had a late daughter named Kayla.
Matson, 42, was struck by a train Monday in Fairview, according to the Erie County Coroner’s Office, which ruled the death a suicide.
Erie County Coroner Lyell Cook said Tuesday that the evidence pointing to suicide is “overwhelming.”
Emily Onderko shared a photo with her late mother Emily Matson, writing, “The most beautiful person I know, inside and out.”
The Erie News Now anchor, who was seen with her daughter Emily, is also survived by her police officer husband Ryan Onderko and their son Kyle.
Emily Matson, 42, committed suicide by jumping in front of a train, according to the coroner’s office.
She was last on air on Friday before the station announced her shocking death on Monday.
“It is with a very heavy heart that we learned of the passing of our beloved Erie News Now anchor Emily Matson,” said Scott McDowell, news director for the station.
“Emily has been a bright light in our newsroom, reporting news with passion and love for the Erie and northwestern Pennsylvania community.
“We loved Emily very much and our hearts go out to the Matson family and her husband Ryan at this time.”
Tributes poured in for the popular news anchor following her death, with many colleagues saying they were devastated by the news.
“Emily was such a presence in the newsroom and studio that I can’t count the number of times I stopped by her desk to talk to her or just listen to her talk to others,” wrote meteorologist Sarah Tonks.
Matson worked at the news station for nearly 20 years.
“She always had a way of attracting people and making them feel welcome, and when I first started working at ENN, she made sure I was included in the Secret Santa gift exchange and gave me a sign that said “Let him go.” snow… Somewhere else.” Erie, Pennsylvania.
“She made me, a stranger and a kid in the industry, feel included and was always there for advice or ideas if I needed them.”
Matson worked at Erie News Now for 19 years before her death. Most recently, she anchored the weekday newscasts at 7:00 pm and 11:00 pm.
Katie McGraw, another former colleague, said her death was an “incredible loss.”
“I am heartbroken and truly happy to share the news of the passing of my friend and former colleague,” she wrote.
“Emily and I worked together for several years in Erie, Pennsylvania.
“She and my fiancé had the most beautiful friendship. I have so many wonderful memories with her. She was funny, witty, kind, fiery, talented, fabulous and funny. She is already so missed.
John Stehlin, who worked with her, shared a Facebook post of the two eating brownies on the Friday before her death.
“It’s National Cupcake Day!” Look what my favorite colleague brought at 7 o’clock! She’s so kind! But she forgot the milk,” he wrote.
Jon Stehlin (left) shared a photo of himself and Matson eating brownies in the studio on Friday.
Tributes to the local journalist began pouring in as soon as news of her death broke.
Many fans left words of condolences under the photo.
“I’m so sad to hear about Emily,” one wrote. “I loved how fun you both made the 7 o’clock news. Light and healing to everyone at Erie News Now.”
One person added: “John, I am truly sorry for your loss. The seven o’clock news will never be the same. I’m so devastated, I thought I knew her. I had the pleasure of meeting her once. Again my heart hurts for you.
Another said, “Sometimes you never truly understand the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.”
“Thinking of you and all those who loved Emily during this devastating and difficult time.”
One longtime colleague remembered Matson as “very, very optimistic.”
“She was a very positive person. She always encouraged new people. She always had a joke for everyone,” said Paul Wagner, who worked at Erie News Now the entire time Mattson was with the company.
Colleagues of the seemingly cheerful presenter were shocked and devastated by the news of her sudden death.
A colleague remembered her as “very, very optimistic” and a “positive person.”
While covering crimes in Erie, Pennsylvania, Matson developed local law enforcement sources and developed deep relationships with the police department.
One such relationship was with Police Chief Dan Spizarny, who had only positive things to say about the late reporter.
“She never had a bad day. No matter how bad the news was that day, it always left making you feel good. You never see her in a bad mood,” he said.
She married officer Ryan Onderko.
According to a local funeral announcement Matson’s funeral will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Jude Church. Visitation will be held yesterday at Duskas-Martin Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc.
If you are having suicidal thoughts or are struggling with your mental health, call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Helpline.