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Andy Cohen is mourning the loss of a member of the Watch What Happens Live family.
During the Thursday, June 25, episode of the talk show, Cohen, 58, got choked up and stifled tears as he announced that Kyra Samson, a former production manager on the show, had died from brain cancer on Tuesday, June 23. She was 28.
“During her four wonderful years with us, Kyra was known for her sweet smile and gentle demeanor. But she could also be a small but mighty enforcer,” he said in an emotional tribute. “To see Kyra on a bullhorn corralling massive crowds at BravoCon was truly a sight to behold. She’s going to be terribly missed by all of us here and, no doubt, by everyone who was lucky enough to know her.”
“I hope you’ll join us in honoring her legacy by donating to the Kyra Fund, which will help provide urgently needed research for people with glioblastomas and hopefully help future Kyras out there,” Cohen added.
“We are sending all of our prayers and love to her family and friends. We love you, Kyra,” he said.
A fundraising page in memory of Sampson, the Kyra Fund, has raised almost $300,000 for brain cancer research.
“Kyra was diagnosed at 27 years old with a type of glioblastoma multiforme, one of the most aggressive forms of brain cancer,” reads the page. “Kyra pursued treatment options with unwavering determination while prioritizing what mattered most to her: time with loved ones, laughter with friends, music, consuming popular culture, and creating beautiful memories. In the face of unimaginable circumstances, Kyra led with courage, bravery, grit, strength, and authenticity.”
Samson’s father, former Major League Baseball executive-turned-podcaster David Samson, mourned the loss of his daughter in an interview with The New York Times.
“We’re all combining sadness and grief with unbelievable amounts of gratefulness because she didn’t get cheated for those 28 years. Not for a day. But she has been cheated now for what could have been,” her father said.
“I want Kyra to be the statistic — one of the catalysts that helped stop this pain from impacting other families and other young people,” her father added. “I want her to be the end of the road of this devastation. It’s a ravaging, unbelievable disease: One day, that’s it, and there’s no going back.”
According to the Times, Samson worked as a production coordinator on Jeopardy! after leaving WWHL.
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