
WJBK’s Jessica Starr was a meteorologist, wife and mother of two. This morning the Fox 2 station in Detroit reported that she died by suicide Wednesday night.
“Last night we were informed of the heartbreaking news that our friend and colleague, meteorologist Jessica Starr, took her life. 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,” the station said in a statement Thursday morning.
Starr had recently been out on leave recovering from Lasik surgery. In a Facebook Live post on Nov. 13, she explained to viewers that her recovery period had been much harder than she expected.
The following day she posted another update on Facebook saying she needed more time.
“Update; yesterday was a struggle for me. I really wanted to come back but I need more time to recover. Please keep me in your thoughts during this challenging time. Will keep you updated,” she said.
That was the last time Starr posted anything on social media.
After news broke about Starr’s death, her co-workers and meteorologists across the country expressed their grief.
My heart is with the @FOX2News family! We'll miss @Jstarrfox2 . My daughter did a segment with her. She held my newborn son. So sad! 😭 pic.twitter.com/dEXIMJmrkS
— Laura DeCew (@decew_laura) December 13, 2018
I have absolutely no words to express my sadness over the loss of @Jstarrfox2. She was an absolute delight of a human being. I always loved this pic. My heart goes out to her beautiful family and all of those who loved her, especially my friends @FOX2News. You'll be missed, Jess! pic.twitter.com/HiszphsYjt
— Lisa_Diggs (@LisaDiggs) December 13, 2018
To all at @FOX2News, #thenine, I am so deeply saddened by the loss of @Jstarrfox2. I see that all of you are feeling her loss too. I appreciate your dignified coverage an references to her, and I truly hope that you lean on each other to find strength & comfort in this sad time.
— Robert W. Branski (@rbranski) December 13, 2018
Starr was 35 years old.