Six weeks before her wedding, a Wisconsin news reporter and former collegiate basketball player who her family described as the “happiest person” they knew committed suicide.
Neena Pacholke, 27, was discovered dead on Saturday at her Wisconsin residence.
Since then, her sister Kaitlynn has verified that she committed herself. In a devastating obituary, she said: “My sister was by far the happiest person I thought I knew.”
No matter how well you believe you know someone, there are moments when you just have no idea what they are going through. My sister had access to every tool imaginable.
‘Everyone liked her,’ she said. She was excellent at what she did.
On October 12, Neena and Kyle Haase were scheduled to wed.
Neena Pacholke, 27, was discovered dead on Saturday at her Wisconsin residence. Since then, her sister Kaitlynn has verified that she committed suicide.
‘Neena Pacholke, our beloved morning anchor passed away… The entire team here at News 9 are absolutely devastated by the loss as we know so many others are as well,’ 9 WAOW said in a statement
She paid homage to her on Facebook, writing: “I know she’s not in agony anymore and I am glad for that.”
“Neena, I cherish you more than you can ever know.” My very best friend, you were. My entire universe. I’m very sorry I was unable to help you.
Brendan Mackey, Neena’s co-anchor, referred to his coworker as “the brightest light in the room” and called her “an great friend… a role model.”
Neena was a great point guard and team captain for the basketball team at Freedom High School in Tampa, which finished with a stellar 25-4 record during Neena’s senior season.
She declined many offers to play professional women’s basketball in order to focus on a career in journalism.
The network she works for, WAOW, released the following statement on its website: “The whole crew here at News 9 is profoundly grieved by the loss as we know so many others are as well.”
Neena loved this neighborhood and its residents.
Neena with her sister Kaitlynn, who confirmed she died by suicide on Saturday
Neena with her beloved cat. She is believed to have lived alone in her apartment in Wisconsin
High school and college basketball player Pacholke declined opportunities to play professionally in favor of a career in the news.
We shall miss her a lot since she was a kind person with a large heart and an infectious grin.
“As we all try to process the loss, we ask that you please keep her family in your thoughts at this time.”
Later in the week, “We will have much more on the life and legacy Neena had.”
On GoFundMe, her family is now collecting funds.
Neena spread love and light wherever she went. She was a force for good, and her grin and laughter spread quickly.
She was a cherished morning newscaster for WAOW in Wausau, Wisconsin, who inspired her neighborhood with her cheerfulness and stories.
We set up this GoFundMe to assist the Pacholke family raise money while they prepare for the funeral. Any amount is helpful, and we would welcome any Neena-related remarks.
The website description states that “Any extra money will go to mental health services.”
Call the 24-hour National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, text TALK to 741741 to reach the Crisis Text Line, or start a live conversation at suicidepreventionlifeline.org if you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts.