The obituary for Kayla Onderko spoke of her spirit and the deep influence she had on those fortunate enough to know her.
A number of years ago, Erie News Now anchor Emily Matson and her husband, Ryan Onderko, experienced the devastating loss of their son, Kayla Onderko.
Their other son, Kayla, tragically died in June 2009 at the age of three from metachromatic leukodystrophy, an uncommon hereditary condition.
Recently, Kayla’s mother Emily Matson, an anchor for Erie News Now, also suffered a devastating loss.
After being hit by a train, Emily’s life tragically ended, and the Erie County Coroner’s Office determined that she had committed suicide.
The circumstances surrounding Emily’s and Kayla’s deaths shrouded the Onderko family in deep sorrow.
Emily Matson, a respected news anchor, died tragically; her daughter Emily Onderko is deeply grieving her mother’s death, which was ruled to be a suicide after she was hit by a train.
The 42-year-old Emily Matson, who spent nearly 20 years working for the Erie News Now, is survived by her spouse, police officer Ryan Onderko, and their son Kyle.
There is no doubt that the evidence points to suicide, according to the Erie County Coroner’s Office.
News of Matson’s unexpected passing was announced on Monday, and her final on-air appearance occurred on Friday.
Emily Onderko paid a moving tribute to her mother on Facebook, calling her the most beautiful person inside and out.
Kayla Onderko died many years ago from metachromatic leukodystrophy, a rare disease.
Due to the neurological system’s interference, this sickness makes it difficult for children like Kayla to move, grow, and see.
Unfortunately, there is no known treatment for this ailment, and children who have it face numerous difficulties.
Born on August 16, 2005, Kayla Onderko is the daughter of Emily Matson and her husband, Ryan Onderko.
Regrettably, she had health problems from an early age. When she was two years old, she was diagnosed with metachromatic leukodystrophy.
On Friday, Matson, who had been employed by the news organization for almost 20 years, made her final appearance on the show.
On Monday, the news of her premature passing was released.
Emily Onderko described her mother as the most beautiful person—inside and out—in a heartfelt Facebook tribute.
Her obituary beautifully captured the intense suffering experienced by those closest to her, saying,
“Her passing has left a void in the hearts of her family, who loved her so much. She was a great joy to all who knew her.”
These heartfelt remarks perfectly express the essence of Kayla’s existence as well as the immense grief her family is experiencing.
Following Emily’s passing, the late news anchor’s friends, supporters, and musketeers posted condolences and expressed astonishment on social media.
“We loved Emily dearly, and our hearts go out to the Matson family and her hubby Ryan at this time,” a statement from Erie News Now said.
Many of Emily’s colleagues commended her loyalty, zeal, and love for her neighborhood.
They thought back on how she had improved their life as well.
Her work as an intelligencer spanned nearly two decades, during which she made several contributions to the news profession.
A beloved member of the community, Emily Matson’s untimely death has left many in shock.
The Matson family is in mourning for their departed loved ones.
They cherish the memory of their beloved son Kayla, whose kind disposition brightened many lives.
They know that both of them will always be a part of their memories and hearts as they bid each other farewell for eternity.