Mississippi news reporter Melanie Dotson dead at 22

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Melanie Dotson, a Mississippi news reporter, died at the age of 22 of “natural causes” on Friday, but no information has been released concerning her cause of death.

Dotson worked at WJTV and had been there since April 2016, according to vice president and general manager James Cromwell, who said that she was beloved by her coworkers and was a staple of the community. He described her as “one of those very unique people” who was both loved by those who knew her and was a shining example of journalism.

“Clearly she had, in a very short career, established and distinguished herself as someone who represented the best in our industry,” Cromwell told the Clarion-Ledger. “She clearly had a wonderful spirit and certainly had a very bright approach to our business … The reaction in the newsroom when we made the announcement was indicative of how much she was loved by the people she worked with.”

“What she did for this community as a journalist was outstanding every day and we pray for her family,” he added.