Dorothea Celeste Wilson, a weekend reporter for 16 WAPT News, has died suddenly of a heart attack on Tuesday, August 26. She was 42 years old.
Her passing was announced by her colleagues, who expressed their profound sadness at the unexpected loss. Clarence “C.C.” Copeland, President and CEO of LPB, said in a statement that the organization “has lost not only a valued staff member but also a remarkable individual whose dedication and kindness touched everyone with whom she worked.”
Wilson had recently joined WAPT as a weekend anchor, and her colleagues there were already touched by her presence. In an editorial published on Wednesday, WAPT News wrote, “Though Celeste had only been with us a short time, we were already touched by her professionalism, warmth, and dedication to the work of journalism.” The editorial added, “All of us here at 16 WAPT are heartbroken by this sudden loss, and our thoughts are with Celeste’s family and friends.”
Wilson began her broadcasting career at a CBS affiliate in Monroe, Louisiana, after completing her education at Northwestern State University and Arizona State University. Throughout her career, she worked at several local news stations and also served as a co-host for a weekly PBS program.
NABJ mourns the loss of Dorothea Celeste Wilson. Her colleagues at WAPT in Jackson, Miss. say she recently joined the news team as a weekend anchor and unexpectedly passed away. Please keep her family and friends in your prayers. pic.twitter.com/iDHnLEzLym
— #NABJ Headquarters ✊🏾🖊️🎙️💻 📷 🎥 📝 🔈 (@NABJ) August 28, 2025