What happened to Neena Pacholke? WAOW host dies at 27

Neena Pacholke, a Wisconsin morning news anchor and former college basketball player, was found dead Saturday.

Here is everything you need to know.

Neena Pacholke apparently took her own life

Neena Pacholke’s older sister, Kaitlynn Pacholke, confirmed her death while speaking to the Tampa Bay Times, which was published on August 29.

She said: ‘On Saturday the 27th of August, my world came crashing down in a way I never imagined possible. My little sister is gone. My best friend of 27 years.

She continued, “She was like a little ball of sunshine, and her smile was huge.”

Kaitlynn further mentioned, “My sister was by far the happiest person I thought I knew.”

She added: ‘I don’t have the words. How can anyone find the words for the worst day of their life?

Additionally, the Wausau Police Department and the Marathon County Medical Examiner’s Office are reportedly investigating Neena’s death.

Captain Ben Graham of the Wausau Police Department gave an update on the investigation during an interview with E! News.

It said, “Wausau Police Department officers were dispatched to a home on the southeast side of Wausau on Saturday morning to check on the welfare of a woman who was reported to have made suicidal statements.”

He added: “After receiving no answer at the door, officers entered the home and found Pacholke dead.”

According to the police, no crime was suspected. However, Neena’s death remains under investigation as of now. The police have yet to confirm the reason behind her death. No further details were given.

Friends and family share their condolences online on the death of Neena Pacholke

Friends and family of Neena Pacholke took to social media to express their feelings about her apparent suicide.

She worked as a news anchor for 9 WAOW before her death.

His colleagues wrote in a joint statement: “The entire team here at News 9 is absolutely devastated by the loss, as we know so many others are too.”

Neena joined in May 2017 as a multimedia journalist. She was later promoted to morning anchor in February 2019 at the news station.

However, he was a point guard at the University of South Florida for three seasons. She also completed her graduation from the same university.

Meanwhile, the USF women’s basketball team shared a tribute on their official Twitter account.

They said: ‘The Bulls are heartbroken to learn of the sudden loss of our beloved former teammate Neena Pacholke (2013-16).’