Michiana anchor Jennifer Copeland passes away at 46

UPDATE (4:28 p.m.): The family of beloved anchor Jennifer Copeland wish to share with the community that a service will be occurring Thursday Oct. 24 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Palmer Community Complex, at 601 N. Michigan Street, Lakeville, IN.

This service will be open to the public, and the family wishes that any donations be sent to the GSC Project for GYN Carcinosarcoma.

For more information on the service, where to donate, and the beautiful life of Jennifer, you can read her online obituary.

ORIGINAL: SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- The newsroom at ABC57 is full of broken hearts and heavy heads tonight as we announce the passing of beloved anchor Jennifer Copeland.

Jennifer brought professionalism, integrity and a beautiful smile when she joined ABC57News in 2023 -- after a long career in television news.

She was well known for her authentic and emotional storytelling that often included getting to know the real people behind the stories she was covering.

Her passion was finding the "why" behind every newsmaker because she truly believed that "why" people do what they do is the most valuable, relatable part of every story, and she treated everyone with kindness, caring and respect.

Jennifer started her career in Cleveland, near where she grew up. She later worked at WSBT as a reporter here in South Bend before making stops in Champaign, Ill., Charlotte, N.C., and Minneapolis, Minn.

In 2012, Jennifer returned to Michiana to become the main anchor at WSBT before joining us here at ABC57News just last year, and from the day she walked through the door here, she spread joy, warmth, and a ray of light that we will never forget.

Jennifer will be greatly missed by all of us here in the newsroom and for everyone who was lucky enough to spend time with her.

"All of us at ABC57 are devastated to learn of Jennifer’s passing," ABC57 parent company Weigel Broadcasting stated.

"Viewers knew of her commitment to Michiana from her years on tv, but we were also privileged in our newsroom to be able to know of her personal impact on so many lives. Jennifer was a devoted mother and took on every challenge with courage. Our deepest sympathies are with her entire family."

Jennifer was 46 years young and fought bravely against cancer since her diagnosis earlier this year.