Jessica Starr: Beloved Fox 2 Detroit Meteorologist dead at 35

Fans, viewers, and colleagues are mourning the tragic and unexpected death of a popular and beloved on-air meteorologist that worked at Fox 2 in Detroit. Jessica Starr, who had been with the station since 2012, committed suicide, leaving behind her husband and two children, according to a tweet posted by Fox 2 anchor Roop Raj.

Today, the management at Fox 2 released the following statement on their station’s website …

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.

If you or a loved one is feeling distressed, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The crisis center provides free and confidential emotional support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, or text 741-741.

Jessica was a Michigan native, born in Southfield and raised in Commerce Township. She received two meteorology degrees from Michigan State University and Mississippi State University.

Yahoo! News reported that the 35-year-old Starr had left Fox 2 for a while to undergo laser eye surgery and was on leave while recovering from that procedure. On November 13 she posted a Facebook Live video and said that “I’m back but still healing …” The next day, though, on November 14, she posted a Facebook status update saying that she returned to work too soon.

That was to be her final Facebook post before her death, and one in which she asked her friends to “Please keep me in your thoughts during this challenging time. Will keep you updated.”