TV news anchor Amanda Hanson has tragically died aged 38.
Hanson, from Memphis, began her news career in 2010 on KAIT-8.
During this time, Hanson would celebrate ‘Dance Party Fridays’, earning her the nickname ‘Dancin’ Hanson’ among her colleagues and viewers.
She would gain even more recognition as an anchor on Action 5 News.
In addition to her stints in local news in Arkansas and Memphis, Hanson also worked as a reporter in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, as per her LinkedIn profile.
And now it has tragically been announced that Hanson has passed away.
Hanson was a dancer for much of her life, even becoming a member of the dance team at the University of Tennessee.
She had also previously worked as a dancer at the now-closed Libertyland amusement park.
Hanson previously told Action News 5: “I was going to take some time and travel on a cruise ship, dancing on the shows.
“I would have never guessed that I would be doing what I’m doing now. I would love to think that I would be dancing on Broadway.”
Action 5 News confirmed that Hanson had passed away aged just 38 on social media.
The network wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter: “We are devastated to announce the loss of our colleague Amanda Hanson. Amanda, a beloved journalist, Memphian, colleague and friend, joined the Action News 5 team in 2021 and was the driving force behind the Action News 5 Digital Desk. She was 38 years old.”
“Her renovation tales never failed to bring laughter to our group, with Amanda often laughing the hardest,” Action 5 News wrote in their online tribute to Hanson.
We are devastated to announce the loss of our colleague Amanda Hanson.
Amanda, a beloved journalist, Memphian, colleague and friend, joined the Action News 5 team in 2021 and was the driving force behind the Action News 5 Digital Desk. She was 38 years old. pic.twitter.com/KtilDKLeFK
— Action News 5 (@WMCActionNews5) January 25, 2024
“Amanda was as energetic of a person you will ever meet. Had so much joy for life, the Lord, family, and friends,” the K8 sports team wrote in a post on Facebook.
“Bet she’s dancing right now in Heaven and watching the Memphis Tigers.”
Other fans and colleagues have also offered their condolences and tributes.
One writes: “This is awful. Amanda was a wonderful person who really loved the news biz. Life really isn’t fair. My condolences to her family.”
“Please keep her family and friends in your prayers,” former K8 colleague Justin Logan said, per MailOnline.
“She was a light. She was kind. She helped everyone. She loved people. What you saw on TV was who she was.
“She was my dear friend and I’m just heartbroken. I’m so thankful for the memories, so many wonderful memories.
“I know her location. She’s in heaven dancing with Jesus and watching over all of us. I love and miss you, Amanda. Thank you for being a friend!”
Hanson had recently got married to her husband Darren Nierdermyer and had begun renovating her home.
Hanson’s cause of death has not been fully disclosed.
K8 writes: “She had a medical emergency earlier this week and died from complications.”
Rest in peace.
