Anderson Cooper Pays Tribute to Late CNN Staffer After Sudden Death
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Anderson Cooper paid tribute to late CNN staffer Melissa Elkas, who worked as an electronics graphics operator at the news channel for over 20 years.
On Wednesday, Aug. 2, the broadcast journalist took time during his show Anderson Cooper 360 to remember his colleague and friend. "To say that she was a vital part of CNN would be an understatement," he said, per Deadline.
He shared with viewers how vital his late colleague's work was, noting, "Melissa could do it all. She was an electronic graphics operator, was part of a lot of different show teams. She helped with CNN Heroes and with our election coverage."
Cooper also took time to celebrate Elkas' amazing qualities, sharing, "Melissa was very good at her job, but she was also a really, really good human being. She was kind, loving. She was a mentor, always willing to help others and she knew how to make other people feel good."
He added, "There was another thing about Melissa that so many people here will never forget. That was her laugh. It was infectious. …You could hear her laugh echo through the halls at work and the control room. Believe me, there is a lot of pressure in this job, but that laugh — Melissa could help put things in perspective."
According to People, CNN staff received the devastating news of Elkas' death in a memo, which read, "We have some heartbreaking news to share with you all. Earlier today, a member of our CNN family, Melissa Elkas, an Electronics Graphics Operator for CNN New York, experienced a medical emergency and later passed away at the hospital."
The memo continued, "Melissa was a friend to everyone and dear friend to many. She was warm, caring and loved CNN and what we do more than anything else. She dedicated her life’s work to CNN, to our journalism and to supporting everything we do every day."
Details of Elkas' fatal medical emergency have not been shared publicly yet.
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