Police Confirm Wisconsin News Anchor's Cause Of Death, Stress Importance Of Mental Health

Police have confirmed the cause of death of Neena Pacholke, a news anchor at WAOW, an ABC affiliate in Wausau, Wisconsin.

In a press release, the Wausau Police Department revealed that Pacholke died by suicide on Aug. 27.

Police had visited Pacholke's home to do a welfare check after she reportedly made "suicidal statements." After officers failed to receive an answer at the door, they entered the home and discovered her body.

"Police have conducted a thorough death investigation, made family notifications, and confirmed her cause of death as suicide. No other information will be released at this time," the press release stated.

"The Wausau Police Department and Marathon County Medical Examiner's Office extend their condolences to the family, friends, and the many impacted by Pacholke's death."

Pacholke, 27, joined WAOW in May 2017 and served as co-anchor for for "Wake Up Wisconsin." She was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and grew up in Tampa.

Her death raised more attention for suicide prevention.

Police noted that September is Suicide Prevention Month and "help is available 24/7 for anyone who may be struggling or in crisis."

"September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and we, along with Pacholke's family, wish to bring awareness to this stigmatized and often taboo, topic," the statement read.

Officials went on to cite statistics from the National Alliance on Mental Illness, stating, "suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among people aged 10-14, the 3rd leading cause of death among people aged 15-24, and the 12th leading cause of death overall in the U.S."

Pacholke's mother, Laurie, previously told WAOW that Pacholke struggled with mental health issues and tried to get help.

"She was getting treatment. I'll put it out there--she had been to the crisis center a couple of times," Laurie said. "She had so many people here to talk to. She talked to people, but she didn't want anybody to know how she was hurting, so she didn't talk until it got so bad."