Millions of Americans tune in to morning shows around the country to get their news, see their favorite personalities, and of course, check the weather.
That means that we make connections with the people we see on the screens every morning. They are a part of our routine and our lives.
Thousands of people in Detroit were shocked this morning when they woke up and got tragic news. Their long time meteorologist, Jessica Starr, had passed away suddenly. The tragedy deepened when it was revealed the young mother had taken her own life.
"Last night we were informed of the heartbreaking news that our friend and colleague, meteorologist Jessica Starr took her life," an online statement read. "All of us here at FOX 2 are in deep shock and cannot believe that such a wonderful, bright and intelligent individual will no longer be with us. Her family and friends will be in our thoughts and prayers in the coming days as we all deal with our grief."
Starr had been with Fox 2 Detroit since 2012, quickly becoming a trusted on-air personality. She earned 2 meteorology degrees from Michigan State University and Mississippi State University.
If you or someone you know is feeling depressed or having thoughts of self-harm, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. You can also text 741-741. They provide free, confidential emotional support 24 hours a day.
Starr had recently undergone Lasik eye surgery and had missed several weeks from work as she continued to heal. Her final post on Twitter and Facebook addresses her healing, but serves as a heartbreaking final message.
Hundreds of comments have come flooding in on those posts, many expressing shock and sadness.
[H/T: Fox News]
Starr was a brilliantly talented professional and a loving mother. We will never know the full reason why she took her life, but we can offer her family our sincerest prayers in this difficult time.