Deanne Lane Dies at 65, Emmy Winning KSDK News Icon

The death of Deanne Lane has left a deep silence in American local news, ending the life of a reporter whose calm strength and sharp instincts defined breaking news for decades. Deanne Lane, the Emmy winning journalist and longtime KSDK anchor, died at 65 after suffering a stroke, according to former colleagues, closing a chapter that shaped St. Louis television journalism.

A Trusted Voice at KSDK for Nearly Three Decades

KSDK confirmed on Friday that Deanne Lane, who joined the station in 1983, had passed away. She became one of the most familiar faces on local television, known for her steady presence during moments of fear, loss, and uncertainty.

Lane rose quickly inside the newsroom. Producers and editors saw early that she had a rare skill for live reporting under pressure.

She became best known as the face of the station’s Night Beat, a role that placed her at the center of the region’s biggest and most painful stories.

The bigger the story, the stronger her reporting became, a former colleague recalled, a reputation that followed her throughout her career.

Colleagues Remember Her Skill and Joy

Sports Director Frank Cusumano described Lane as both fearless and joyful, a mix that made her stand out in a high stress newsroom.

He said she helped build KSDK into what it is today, calling her a broadcaster who carried both legacy and talent with ease. He remembered her energy, poise, and confidence, and said she was always fun to be around.

There was rarely a tense moment that Lane could not calm, whether in the field or inside the studio.

One sentence often used to describe her summed it up clearly: she made hard news feel human without losing the facts.

Leadership Honors a Career Built on Trust

KSDK General Manager Alicia Elsner said Lane brought truth, compassion, and integrity to every story she touched.

She said Lane did more than report events. She made a real difference in the lives of people she covered and those watching at home.

While the station mourns her loss, leadership said it is also celebrating a career that lasted more than 20 years and reflected a life spent serving others.

Lane’s work helped define what viewers expected from local news: honesty, calm delivery, and respect for the people involved.

Covering the Stories That Shaped a Nation

Lane reported from the front lines of some of the most painful chapters in modern American history. Her work often placed her where facts were still unclear and emotions were raw.

Major events she covered include:

• The Columbine shooting

• The Oklahoma City bombing

• Hurricane Katrina

• The Kirkwood City Hall shooting

In each case, viewers trusted Lane to explain what mattered most without panic or noise.

She asked clear questions, avoided drama, and focused on people rather than headlines.

Awards, Legacy, and a Life Beyond the Camera

Lane spent nearly 27 years at KSDK and earned an Emmy Award for her journalism, a recognition that reflected years of consistent excellence rather than one moment.

Below is a simple view of her professional journey:

Away from the newsroom, Lane was a wife and mother. She is survived by her husband, Chris Pappas, and her son, Griffin Goodrich.

Friends say she guarded her private life closely and valued family time as much as professional success.

Her passing has sparked quiet reflection across newsrooms where many younger reporters once watched her work and learned what steady journalism looks like.

Deanne Lane’s death reminds us how much local news depends on people willing to stand in chaos and speak with care. Her voice may be gone, but the standard she set remains. What did Deanne Lane’s reporting mean to you, and how do you think strong local journalism shapes our lives today? Share your thoughts and pass this story along to friends who believe trustworthy news still matters.