Melanie Dotson, Beautiful and Talented 22-Year Old News Reporter From Mississippi, Suddenly Dies

Jackson, MS — The state of Mississippi and a local newsroom are grieving after the sudden death of one of their beloved reporters. Melanie Dotson, who was just 22-years old, reportedly died suddenly of natural causes Friday afternoon after making her mark at the local WJTV news television channel.

According to the the Hinds County Coroner, Dotson, who is a native of Brandon, MS, died of natural causes after being taken to St. Dominic Hospital. She had said that she had not been feeling well.

Dotson had just recently graduated in 2015 from Tougaloo College, where she earned her degree in mass communication with an emphasis in radio and television broadcasting. After graduation, she was immediately hired as a reporter at WJTV in Greenville, MS.

James Cromwell, WJTV vice president and general manager, said Dotson was “one of those very unique people” who represented the best of the best in journalism. He commented, “Clearly she had, in a very short career, established and distinguished herself as someone who represented the best in our industry. She clearly had a wonderful spirit and certainly had a very bright approach to our business.”

Cromwell added that Dotson was beloved by her co-workers.

There will be a public viewing on Friday, September 23 from 4pm until 8pm at Woodworth Chapel on the campus of Tougaloo College. The funeral is set for Saturday, September 24 at 11 a.m. It will be held at the Brandon Municipal Complex that is located at 1000 Municipal Drive in Brandon, Miss.

Watch Melanie Dotson in action below: