Popular Texas News Anchor Shatanya Clarke Dies At 27 After Brain Tumor Diagnosis
Shatanya Clarke was known for her larger-than-life personality as a daytime news anchor for KFDZ in her home state of Texas. This week, the notable TV personality passed away at age 27, two years after announcing she was diagnosed with a brain tumor.
The anchor is remembered by those in her community in Wichita Falls, known for her numerous fundraisers and bright optimism from her network family. Clarke died in her home on Thursday.
Clarke, however, did not hide what her experiences were from her supporters, and instead openly shared what she was going through on her YouTube channel.
“The truth is - Bob Marley said it first - you never know how strong you are until being strong is your only choice,” Clarke, who was born in Jamaica, said in her final video, according to Yahoo News, on her YouTube channel from her series chronicling her health struggle titled, “Shantanya’s Road to Recovery.”
Clarke first joined KFDX back in 2018 as a local reporter and was promoted to news anchor only within the last year. During the pandemic, she created a segment to help local charities raise to support their efforts against COVID-19. She graduated from Florida A&M University and served as a member of Zeta Phi Beta sorority, according to the station.
“Shatanya was a bigger-than-life spirit,” said News Director Adam P. Bradshaw in a statement. “Her wit and personality could brighten anyone’s day. She had a passion for telling stories in a way that really hit home. To say our family and this community will miss her is the understatement of the year.”
