Longtime Pennsylvania Television News Personality Dies Tragically at 42

One of the unique aspects of being a radio or television personality is the tight bond you form with the audience.

Many times a broadcaster has no idea just how impactful they are to the people who tune into them each day.

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It's difficult because we are in a studio and you are at home, or in the car. We don't see you, but we know you're there.

How do we know? Most of the time it's the kind messages that we receive or the hugs we get at live appearances.

It's clear that Erie News Now TV anchor Emily Matson had that special connection with her audience.

Emily was part of the news team for 17 years, according to Yahoo!.

She entered homes in the Erie area every night. Watching Matson daily became routine to so many.

Emily was last on air Friday night. That would be her final broadcast.

The owner of Erie News Now, Lilly Broadcasting, released this statement:

Newsroom colleague Jamison Hixenbaugh shared his thoughts of his former partner.

You often see TV personalities and listen to radio hosts keep the mood up with smiles during every broadcast.

That's because it's our job to inform and entertain you. We don't have "bad" or "off" days. It's just part of the gig.

I struggle greatly with depression, but I'd like to think you'd never know it on the air.

Sadly, it seems Emily Matson was silently suffering.

It's being reported by TMZ that Matson was struck by a train early Monday morning in Fairview Township where she lived.

Her death is now being ruled a suicide.

As the Erie and northwest Pennsylvania community comes to terms with this horrific news, they are also remembering all of the special times that Emily was a part of.

Please, I beg you. If you or someone you know is facing a mental crisis, seek help. There are so many options out there. Just call or text 988.