News anchor found dead aged 27 just six weeks before her wedding

An American news anchor has tragically been found dead just weeks before she was due to get married.

Neena Pacholke, 27, died on Saturday (27 August) from an apparent suicide in Wisconsin six weeks before she was due to walk down the aisle.

Facebook / Neena Pacholke

She was a morning anchor for WAOW in Wisconsin, and her death was confirmed to The Tampa Bay Times by her sister Kaitlynn.

Paying tribute to the 27-year-old, she said: "My sister was by far the happiest person I thought I knew. 

"Sometimes you just don't know what people are going through, no matter how much you think you know someone... my sister had access to every resource you could imagine."

Authorities were alerted to an incident at Neena's apartment at 11:00am on Saturday.

Her sister continued on Facebook: "I know she’s not in pain anymore and I am thankful for that. 

"Neena - I love you more than you could ever understand. You were my very best friend. My whole world. I’m so sorry I couldn't save you."

Facebook / Neena Pacholke

Co-anchor Brendan Mackey described Neena as 'the brightest light in the room' and 'an incredible friend... a role model'.

Outside of the newsroom, she was a talented basketball player, but she turned down the opportunity to go professional in favour of becoming a news anchor.

The WAOW network released a statement on their website about her death, which read: "The entire team here at News 9 are absolutely devastated by the loss as we know so many others are as well. 

"Neena loved this community and the people who lived here. 

"She was a kind person with a big heart and a contagious smile and we will miss her greatly. 

"We ask you to please keep her family in your thoughts at this time as we all cope with the loss.

"We will have much more on the life and legacy Neena had later in the week."

Twitter / WAOW

A GoFundMe has now been set up to help cover Neena's funeral costs.

The page description reads: "Neena radiated light and love wherever she went. She was a force of kindness, and her laughter and smile were contagious.

"She was a beloved morning news anchor at WAOW in Wausau, Wisconsin and inspired her community with her storytelling and positivity.

"We have created this GoFundMe to help collect donations for the Pacholke family as they make funeral preparations. 

"Any amount helps and we would appreciate your memories of Neena in the comments below. 

"Any additional money will go to mental health resources."

You can donate here.

If you or someone you know is suffering from a mental health problem, help and support is available from the Samaritans on 116 123

If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677