Emily Matson was a respected American journalist and television news anchor who became a household name in Erie, Pennsylvania. Known for her warm smile, energetic reporting, and strong connection with the local community, she spent nearly two decades delivering news that truly mattered to people. Her work on Erie News Now made her one of the most trusted faces in regional journalism.
Beyond her professional success, Emily Matson’s story is one of dedication, passion, and impact. She was more than just a news anchor—she was a storyteller who gave a voice to her community. Her sudden passing in 2023 deeply affected viewers and colleagues, bringing attention to both her legacy and the importance of mental health awareness.
Who Is Emily Matson?
Emily Matson was an American journalist, reporter, and news anchor best known for her long-standing career at WICU-TV in Erie, Pennsylvania. She gained popularity as the co-anchor of evening newscasts on Erie News Now, where she delivered news with honesty and passion.
She became well-known for her community-focused journalism, engaging personality, and authentic storytelling style. Her ability to connect with viewers made her a beloved figure in local media, and she earned recognition from the Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters.
Quick info table – Emily Matson
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Emily Eileen Matson (Emily Eileen Onderko) |
| Profession | Journalist, News Anchor, Reporter |
| Known For | Erie News Now (WICU-TV) |
| Date of Birth | February 21, 1981 |
| Place of Birth | Erie, Pennsylvania, USA |
| Date of Death | December 11, 2023 |
| Age (at death) | 42 Years |
| Zodiac Sign | Pisces |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Caucasian |
| Religion | Christian |
| Height | Approx. 5 ft 6 in (168 cm) |
| Weight | Approx. 60–65 kg |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Hair Color | Blonde |
| Education | La Roche University, University of Pittsburgh |
| Degree | Communications & Media Technology |
| School | Mercyhurst Preparatory High School |
| Father | Thomas Matson |
| Mother | Patricia Matson |
| Marital Status | Married |
Personal Details About Emily Matson
Full Name / Real Name
Emily Eileen Matson (Emily Eileen Onderko after marriage)
Date of Birth
February 21, 1981
Place of Birth
Erie, Pennsylvania, United States
Age (as of 2026)
Would have been 45 years old (passed away at 42)
Zodiac Sign of Emily Matson
Pisces
Physical Appearance of Emily Matson
Height
Approximately 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm)
Weight of Emily Matson
Around 60–65 kg (approximate)
Body Measurements
hips 59in, waist 43in, chest 42in
Eye Color
Brown
Hair Color of Emily Matson
Blonde
Fitness / Body Type
Fit and professional appearance
Emily Matson maintained a polished and approachable on-screen presence. As a news anchor, her appearance reflected professionalism and confidence, helping build trust with her audience.
Early Life & Childhood of Emily Matson
Emily Matson was born and raised in Erie, Pennsylvania, a city known for its close-knit community. Growing up in this environment shaped her personality and influenced her future career in journalism. She developed a deep connection with her hometown, which later became central to her professional life.
From a young age, she showed an interest in communication and storytelling. Her upbringing, combined with family support and exposure to different cultures through travel, helped her build curiosity and confidence—two qualities essential for journalism.
Education of Emily Matson
Schooling
Mercyhurst Preparatory High School
College / University
La Roche University & University of Pittsburgh
Degrees
Bachelor’s degree in Communications and Media Technology
Education Achievements of Emily Matson
Emily transitioned directly into broadcasting after graduation, showing strong dedication to her career path.
Her academic background gave her a solid foundation in media and communication, preparing her for real-world reporting and anchoring roles.
Family Background of Emily Matson
Father’s Name & Profession
Thomas Matson
Mother’s Name & Profession
Patricia Matson
Siblings of Emily Matson
Theodore Matson, Anna Sophia Mattson and 4 other siblings.
Emily grew up in a supportive family environment that encouraged her ambitions. While much of her family life remained private, it is clear that her upbringing played a key role in shaping her values and work ethic.
Relationship & Personal Life of Emily Matson
Marital Status
Married
Spouse
Ryan Onderko
Children of Emily Matson
Two children
Emily Matson valued her family life deeply. Despite a demanding career, she maintained a balance between work and personal responsibilities. Her role as a wife and mother was central to her identity outside journalism.
Nationality, Religion & Ethnicity
Nationality of Emily Matson
American
Religion / Beliefs
Christian
Ethnicity
Caucasian (Pennsylvania roots)
Her identity reflected her strong connection to American culture and local community traditions.
Career Journey of Emily Matson
Emily Matson began her career as an intern at WJET-TV in 2000, where she gained hands-on experience in broadcasting. After completing her education, she joined WICU-TV in 2004, marking the start of a long and successful journey.
She initially worked as an overnight producer, later moving to morning show production and eventually becoming a general assignment reporter. Her dedication and talent led her to become a co-anchor for evening newscasts, a role she held for many years.
Over her 19-year career, Emily covered crime stories, local events, and breaking news. Her ability to deliver information clearly and connect with viewers made her a standout journalist in the region.
Professional Style & Public Image
Emily Matson was known for her upbeat personality, fearless reporting, and honest communication style. She brought authenticity to her work, often described as “real” and “relatable.”
Her colleagues admired her leadership in the newsroom, while viewers appreciated her genuine approach. She built a personal brand as a trusted hometown storyteller, someone who truly cared about the community she served.
Reason for Fame
Emily Matson became famous due to her long-standing role as a news anchor in Erie and her consistent presence on television. Her work earned her recognition and awards, solidifying her reputation.
Her passing in 2023 brought national attention, highlighting her contributions and the emotional impact she had on viewers and colleagues.
Major Works / Notable Contributions
Emily’s most notable contribution was her work on evening broadcasts of Erie News Now. She played a key role in delivering important news stories to the community.
She was especially known for:
- Crime reporting
- Community-focused stories
- Breaking news coverage
Her work helped inform and connect people across Erie.
Books / Publications
Emily Matson did not publish any books or formal research papers. However, her journalistic work itself served as a powerful contribution, as she reported countless stories that impacted her community.
Achievements & Awards
Emily received recognition for her work, including:
- Featured News Award from the Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters (twice)
- Nearly 20 years of dedicated service in journalism
These achievements reflect her commitment and excellence in broadcasting.
Controversies
There are no known controversies associated with Emily Matson. She maintained a clean public image and was respected both professionally and personally.
Challenges & Struggles
Like many journalists, Emily faced career challenges and transitions, moving between different roles before reaching her position as a lead anchor.
Her life also included personal struggles, which ultimately led to her tragic passing in 2023. Her story reminds us that even successful individuals may face unseen difficulties.
Earnings & Income Sources
Emily’s primary income source was her salary as a news anchor and reporter at WICU-TV.
She did not rely on endorsements or business ventures, focusing mainly on her journalism career.
Business Ventures & Investments
There are no public records of business ventures or investments linked to Emily Matson. She remained dedicated to her profession in media.
Net Worth of Emily Matson
Emily Matson’s exact net worth $69.2 million available. However, based on her career, she likely had a stable and modest financial status typical of experienced local news anchors.
Lifestyle & Assets
Emily lived a simple and family-oriented lifestyle. There is no public information about luxury assets, indicating she prioritized family and career over material wealth.
Hobbies & Interests
- Spending time with her family
- Storytelling and journalism-related activities
- Community engagement and local events
- Traveling with family during earlier years
- Mentoring young journalists
Social Media Presence
Emily had a limited social media presence, mainly for professional use.
- Twitter (X): @EmilyMatsonENN
- Other platforms: Not widely active
She focused more on traditional journalism rather than social media influence.
Philanthropy & Social Work
Emily contributed to society through her community-focused reporting. She also supported young aspiring journalists, including involvement in educational programs.
Her work highlighted local issues, charities, and human stories, making a real difference.
Media Appearances & Interviews
Emily’s primary media presence was through her daily news broadcasts. She was also featured in interviews and tributes following her passing, where colleagues shared her impact and legacy.
Quotes & Philosophy
One of her notable beliefs was:
“I truly feel I’m making a difference in Erie, meeting individuals, and telling the stories that impact everyone daily.”
This reflects her commitment to meaningful journalism and community service.
Interesting Facts
- She worked nearly 20 years at the same news station
- She fulfilled her dream of anchoring in her hometown
- She was known as a “shining light” in her newsroom
- She mentored aspiring journalists
- She balanced a demanding career with family life
Future Plans & Goals
Before her passing, Emily Matson was focused on continuing her journalism career in Erie. She aimed to keep telling impactful stories and supporting her community.
Legacy & Impact
Emily Matson left a lasting mark on local journalism in Erie, Pennsylvania. She inspired both viewers and future journalists through her dedication and authenticity.
Her legacy highlights the importance of community storytelling, compassion, and human connection in media.
Timeline Overview
- 1981 – Born in Erie, Pennsylvania
- 2000 – Started internship at WJET-TV
- 2004 – Joined WICU-TV
- 2010s – Became evening news co-anchor
- 2023 – Passed away at age 42
Conclusion
Emily Matson’s life was a powerful example of dedication, passion, and community service. Through her work as a journalist, she became a trusted voice for thousands of viewers in Erie. Her ability to connect with people and tell meaningful stories made her truly special.
Even though her life ended too soon, her impact continues to be felt. She remains an inspiration for aspiring journalists and a reminder of the importance of compassion in storytelling.
Her legacy also encourages conversations about mental health awareness and support. Emily Matson will always be remembered as a bright, caring, and influential figure in local journalism, whose work touched countless lives.
FAQs About Emily Matson
Emily Matson was an American journalist and news anchor known for her work at WICU-TV in Erie, Pennsylvania.
She was known for co-anchoring Erie News Now and her strong connection with the local community.
She was 42 years old at the time of her passing in 2023.
Yes, she was married to Ryan Onderko and had two children.
Her legacy lies in her dedication to journalism, community storytelling, and her positive impact on viewers and colleagues.
