NY1 news anchor Ruschell Boone dies at 48
NY1 news anchor Ruschell Boone dies at 48
New York : Ruschell Boone, a beloved and acclaimed reporter and anchor at NY1 in New York City, has passed away at the age of 48 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. This sad announcement was made by the station on Tuesday, revealing that Boone had succumbed to her illness on Sunday.
Boone had a long and distinguished career at NY1, having joined the station as a reporter covering Queens in 2002. In 2021, she transitioned to the anchor desk, where she hosted the noon slot. During her time at NY1, she became known for her remarkable ability to connect with New Yorkers, both on screen and in person, earning their trust and affection. Hailing from Jamaica, Boone was particularly recognized for her coverage of the city’s diverse immigrant communities.
Throughout her career, Boone reported on significant events, including the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy and the protests that followed the tragic killing of George Floyd in Minnesota. She was a familiar face at various celebrations in New York City, such as the West Indian American Day parade in Brooklyn and the iconic Times Square New Year’s Eve ball drop. Notably, Boone was the sole TV reporter present at Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s Democratic primary election party in June 2018 when the then-underdog candidate received early returns indicating her upset victory over incumbent U.S. Rep. Joe Crowley. The emotional moment was captured live on TV. NY1 news anchor Ruschell Boone dies at 48
Boone’s journalistic talents were widely recognized, with numerous awards to her name, including a New York Press Club award for best feature reporting and a New York Emmy award for her series titled “New York: Unfiltered.”
After her cancer diagnosis, Boone took a temporary leave from NY1 starting in June 2022 and returned in March of the following year after undergoing a demanding regimen of chemotherapy treatments. In late July, she shared on social media that her cancer had taken a more serious turn, metastasizing to her liver. Despite the challenges, she expressed gratitude for the support and prayers she received from her well-wishers.
Upon her return to NY1 in March, Boone conducted her first interview with New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who paid tribute to her on Tuesday. Mayor Adams praised Boone’s indomitable spirit and ability to turn her pain into a source of inspiration, noting her unwavering positivity and determination.
Ruschell Boone is survived by her husband, Todd Boone, and their two sons. Her passing is a profound loss for the world of journalism and the city of New York, where she touched the lives of countless individuals with her reporting and warm presence.
