CNN Anchor Don Lemon’s Sister Leisa Dead From Accidental Drowning

A Louisiana woman, who died Wednesday after drowning in Livingston Parish, was identified as the older sister of CNN anchor Don Lemon. L’Tanya “Leisa” Lemon Grimes, a resident of Denham Springs, was 58.

Lemon’s family released a statement Thursday saying: “The Lemon/Grimes family would like to thank everyone for their condolences and prayers at this time. Our family has suffered the tragic loss of L’Tanya ‘Leisa’ Lemon Grimes. … We are leaning on each other for strength at this time. We appreciate privacy as we grieve the loss of our loved one.”

The CNN anchor also took to Twitter to thank everyone for their “words of sympathy.” He has another sister, Yma Lemon.

Leisa fell into a neighborhood pond off Avoyelles Avenue in the Livingston Trace subdivision, near Juban Road and south of Interstate 12. It seemed like the victim fell while fishing and no foul play was suspected in her death, Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Lori Steele said.

Police was informed at about 4 p.m. on Wednesday about a woman who had fallen into a pond and drowned. The officials confirmed the identity of the body only a day after on Thursday.

Lemon, who anchors "CNN Tonight with Don Lemon" during weekday prime-time, did not appear in Thursday’s show following his sister’s death. He also serves as a correspondent across CNN/U.S. programming.

The victim’s daughters Kimberly Grimes and Katherine Grimes also posted tributes on Instagram.

Various journalists took to Twitter to offer condolences. Journalist Yashar Ali tweeted: “L'Tanya "Leisa" Lemon Grimes, died in a tragic accident yesterday. She was only 58. May her memory be a blessing.”

On Thursday, Lemon tweeted a video of children talking about Black History Month, and how “black excellence is at an all-time high.” He mentioned in the post: “This lifted my spirits.”

He had discussed the dropping in black employment rate Monday during an all-black, Democratic Congress member panel. Lemon, during the panel, mentioned an interview during which Jay-Z said drop or rise of black employment doesn’t matter as “money doesn’t bring happiness.”

President Donald Trump had responded to the singer’s comment and said in a tweet: “ Somebody please inform Jay-Z that because of my policies, Black Unemployment has just been reported to be at the LOWEST RATE EVER RECORDED!"

To this, Lemon said, sensible people would take a look at the numbers and say, “Thanks, Obama.”