GoFundMe page for Neena Pacholke's family crosses $20K as rumors of beloved news anchor's troubled life emerge
WAUSAU, WISCONSIN: Neena Pacholke, the 27-year-old anchor of News 9 who died by apparent suicide on August 27, had been struggling with various mental health issues. News of her death was confirmed by News 9 in an official statement, "The entire team here at News 9 are absolutely devastated by the loss as we know so many others are as well," adding, "Neena loved this community and the people who lived here. She was a kind person with a big heart and a contagious smile and we will miss her greatly.”
The news anchor is survived by her mother, sister, and father. She joined the news station in May 2017 as a multimedia journalist. Pacholke graduated from the University of South Florida and was a former USF, Freedom High women’s basketball player.
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Now, a GoFundMe launched to collect donations for the Pacholke family has surpassed $20K. "We are deeply saddened about the sudden passing of our beautiful Neena Pacholke this past weekend," the page reads. "Neena radiated light and love wherever she went. She was a force of kindness, and her laughter and smile were contagious. She was a beloved morning news anchor at WAOW in Wausau, Wisconsin, and inspired her community with her storytelling and positivity."
It adds, "We have created this GoFundMe to help collect donations for the Pacholke family as they make funeral preparations. Any amount helps and we would appreciate your memories of Neena in the comments below. Any additional money will go to mental health resources. Thank you for your donations and for sending thoughts and prayers to the Pacholke's during this time." At the time of writing this article, $22,346 USD had been raised for the $10,000 goal.
The Daily Mail reported that Pacholke was preparing to marry Kyle Haase in six weeks. Haase, 38, is a divorced father of two children. However, Haase reportedly broke up with her in recent days. Pacholke also reportedly discovered another woman's panties in the house she bought with Haase. Pacholke's friends told DailyMail.com that her relationship with Haase was not a happy one. “They were always arguing, and it seemed like Neena was more in love with Kyle than he was with her,” a friend of hers revealed. Another friend claimed infidelity was involved.
Pacholke also experienced a tragedy in her teenage years. She reportedly lost her first love, Jordan Harris, to brain cancer in 2013. Her friends revealed that she was depressed and that her depression had worsened in recent months.
Pacholke's friends asked for a welfare check after she threatened to kill herself the morning she died. Shortly thereafter, she was found dead in her $390,000 home.
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).