A devastating loss was cast upon the tri-state area this weekend. Just after midnight Saturday, WABC-TV confirmed that veteran Eyewitness News reporter Lisa Colagrossi passed away after suffering a brain hemorrhage Thursday morning. Returning from a fire scene in Woodhaven, Queens, Lisa collapsed in the live truck. Her cameraman flagged down a passing ambulance and she was rushed to New York Presbyterian Hospital. Even with the swift actions of her colleague and first responders, Lisa never regained consciousness. With her family by her side Friday morning, she was taken off of life support.
While numerous reports of her condition flooded social media during the day on Friday, the news nobody wanted to hear was confirmed by anchor Sade Baderinwa via Twitter, writing, “Our hearts are broken here at Eyewitness News. Lisa Colagrossi passed away after suffering an aneurysm.” Shortly thereafter, WABC confirmed the news with a full story on 7online.com and on all platforms of social media. The station said on Twitter, “With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our friend and colleague Lisa Colagrossi.” Since Colagrossi’s death was announced, an outpouring of love and support has been shared across social media from viewers and colleagues alike. On Eyewitness News Saturday Morning, Michelle Charlesworth and Rob Nelson announced the news on-air, with Lori Stokes on set with a tribute package dedicated to Lisa, someone she has worked alongside for the past 14 years. A somber video tribute aired looking back on Lisa’s years at Channel 7. Following the tribute, a devastated Lori Stokes said, “This is a really tough day for us, it’ll be a tough week, tough month, and the years to come but all of us have a ‘Lisa Story.’”
A Cleveland native, Colagrossi has been waking up before most New Yorkers for the past 14 years. She’s spent countless hours out in the field, reporting on anything and everything across the area. When she wasn’t out in the sweltering heat or bitter cold, Lisa was often seen filling in at the anchor desk and did so as recently as February 27th. Each member of the Eyewitness News This Morning team, along with everyone at WABC-TV have shared heartfelt posts via Facebook and Twitter over the passing of their friend and colleague. On Facebook, Ken Rosato said, “My heart is broken. You were a part of my day... everyday... and helped wake up millions of New Yorkers, everyday. I will never forget you.” Bill Evans wrote, “I am honored to have worked with Lisa Colagrossi, yet so devastated by the loss of such a wonderful person.” Heather O’Rourke added, “Taken too soon, too young. We are all shocked by the sudden loss of our friend, Lisa.”
Lisa’s passing has not only affected the Eyewitness News family, it has affected everyone who knew her and watched her, including New York anchors and reporters who have worked alongside her for years. An outpouring of support from each station is well noted on-air and on Twitter.
On a personal note, Lisa was kind, a professional at what she did and what can only be describes as the best of the best. She was someone who frequently interacted with her viewers online and always took the time let us into her life. Today, as we somberly remember Lisa, take a moment to thank the Colagrossi family for letting Lisa into our lives. Our sincerest condolences to her husband, her sons, her entire family and her colleagues at Channel 7. After 14 years, Lisa felt like a member of our families just as much as she was a part of the WABC family. It’s hard to comprehend that we heard, “Reporting live, Lisa Colagrossi, Channel 7 Eyewitness News” for the final time on Thursday morning. Lori Stokes said it best- “It’s hard to imagine mornings without you.” A staple in New York whom we shall never forget. The legacy left behind by Lisa Colagrossi will carry on for years to come. Yes, mornings will go on, but not as they used to. Personally, we hope Lisa knew just how much she meant to the people of this city, and that we will never forget the memories she leaves behind.
We send send our thoughts and prayers to the WABC family and to the Colagrossi family. Heaven has certainly gained another angel.
Rest in peace, Lisa Colagrossi.
-New York Newser and NYNewsObserver
While numerous reports of her condition flooded social media during the day on Friday, the news nobody wanted to hear was confirmed by anchor Sade Baderinwa via Twitter, writing, “Our hearts are broken here at Eyewitness News. Lisa Colagrossi passed away after suffering an aneurysm.” Shortly thereafter, WABC confirmed the news with a full story on 7online.com and on all platforms of social media. The station said on Twitter, “With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our friend and colleague Lisa Colagrossi.” Since Colagrossi’s death was announced, an outpouring of love and support has been shared across social media from viewers and colleagues alike. On Eyewitness News Saturday Morning, Michelle Charlesworth and Rob Nelson announced the news on-air, with Lori Stokes on set with a tribute package dedicated to Lisa, someone she has worked alongside for the past 14 years. A somber video tribute aired looking back on Lisa’s years at Channel 7. Following the tribute, a devastated Lori Stokes said, “This is a really tough day for us, it’ll be a tough week, tough month, and the years to come but all of us have a ‘Lisa Story.’”
A Cleveland native, Colagrossi has been waking up before most New Yorkers for the past 14 years. She’s spent countless hours out in the field, reporting on anything and everything across the area. When she wasn’t out in the sweltering heat or bitter cold, Lisa was often seen filling in at the anchor desk and did so as recently as February 27th. Each member of the Eyewitness News This Morning team, along with everyone at WABC-TV have shared heartfelt posts via Facebook and Twitter over the passing of their friend and colleague. On Facebook, Ken Rosato said, “My heart is broken. You were a part of my day... everyday... and helped wake up millions of New Yorkers, everyday. I will never forget you.” Bill Evans wrote, “I am honored to have worked with Lisa Colagrossi, yet so devastated by the loss of such a wonderful person.” Heather O’Rourke added, “Taken too soon, too young. We are all shocked by the sudden loss of our friend, Lisa.”
Lisa’s passing has not only affected the Eyewitness News family, it has affected everyone who knew her and watched her, including New York anchors and reporters who have worked alongside her for years. An outpouring of support from each station is well noted on-air and on Twitter.
- WCBS’s Dana Tyler- “So very sorry to hear of the passing of Lisa Colagrossi @ABC7NY Deepest sympathies to her family and our friends at Channel 7.”
- WNBC’s Darlene Rodriguez- “My heart is so sad over the loss of Lisa Colagrossi. Tenacious reporter, devoted mother and wife. Sending prayers to her family & @ABC7NY.”
- WNYW’s Rosanna Scotto- “What at tragedy. Prayers for #LisaColagrossi She was a wonderful reporter. Condolences to her family RIP”
- WPIX’s Sukanya Krishnan- “My friend I can’t say goodbye. I am heart broken. @LColagrossi7”
On a personal note, Lisa was kind, a professional at what she did and what can only be describes as the best of the best. She was someone who frequently interacted with her viewers online and always took the time let us into her life. Today, as we somberly remember Lisa, take a moment to thank the Colagrossi family for letting Lisa into our lives. Our sincerest condolences to her husband, her sons, her entire family and her colleagues at Channel 7. After 14 years, Lisa felt like a member of our families just as much as she was a part of the WABC family. It’s hard to comprehend that we heard, “Reporting live, Lisa Colagrossi, Channel 7 Eyewitness News” for the final time on Thursday morning. Lori Stokes said it best- “It’s hard to imagine mornings without you.” A staple in New York whom we shall never forget. The legacy left behind by Lisa Colagrossi will carry on for years to come. Yes, mornings will go on, but not as they used to. Personally, we hope Lisa knew just how much she meant to the people of this city, and that we will never forget the memories she leaves behind.
We send send our thoughts and prayers to the WABC family and to the Colagrossi family. Heaven has certainly gained another angel.
Rest in peace, Lisa Colagrossi.
-New York Newser and NYNewsObserver