Beloved New York-based journalist Ruschell Boone dies at 48 after battle with cancer

Emmy award-winning journalist Ruschell Boone passed away on Sunday at the age of 48 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer, as announced by Spectrum News NY1.

In a heartfelt tribute, the staff of the New York City TV station shared that Ruschell had been a treasured member of their team for 21 years, serving not only as a colleague but also as a cherished friend and mentor to many.

The tribute highlighted Ruschell's exceptional talent for connecting with the people of New York. Through the screen and in person, she had a remarkable ability to make everyone feel like a trusted friend. Celebrating the city's diverse communities was always a top priority for her.

On June 2, 2022, Ruschell marked her 20th anniversary at NY1, surrounded by her colleagues. However, shortly after this momentous occasion, she received the devastating news of her pancreatic cancer diagnosis, commencing a grueling fight with unwavering determination.

Throughout her courageous journey, Ruschell remained open and transparent about her battle with cancer, regularly updating viewers on her progress through social media. Her resilience was evident when she made a triumphant return to the anchor desk, with even the mayor joining her on her first day back.

Joining NY1 in 2002 as the station's Queens reporter, Ruschell quickly endeared herself to the local community. She dedicated herself to shedding light on issues that directly affected residents, covering a wide range of topics such as the COVID pandemic, Hurricane Sandy, political events, and the annual West Indian-American Day parade.

Notably, in 2018, Ruschell had the honor of being the only television reporter to conduct a live interview with Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, just before her rise to international fame.

Throughout her career, Ruschell was recognized with several prestigious awards, including Best Spot News Reporting from the New York Association of Black Journalists, a New York Press Club Award for Best Feature Reporting, and a New York Emmy Award for her series 'New York: Unfiltered.'

Beyond her professional achievements, Ruschell was deeply devoted to raising awareness about cancer and other health issues. Despite facing her own constant battle, she always extended a helping hand to others in need. Wherever she was, Ruschell made time for laughter, dance, and celebration of life.

Ruschell leaves behind a rich and loving legacy as a mother, a wife, a daughter, a sister, a Jamaican-American, a true New Yorker. Her family, friends, and city will forever cherish the impact she made.

The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network paid tribute to Ruschell, acknowledging her bravery in sharing her story and providing hope and inspiration to those affected by pancreatic cancer. They expressed gratitude for her participation as the emcee of the #PanCANPurpleStride event in New York City, where she brought warmth, joy, and light to a cold and rainy day.

NY1 has encouraged viewers who wish to remember Ruschell to share their notes by emailing RememberingRuschell@charter.com.