Ruschell Boone, 48, a stalwart of New York journalism and a cherished NY1 anchor and reporter, passed away on Sunday, September 3rd, due to pancreatic cancer.
Boone had dedicated over two decades to NY1, touching countless New Yorkers with her unwavering dedication to the truth.
Boone’s academic journey began at Harry S. Truman High School, and she later attended Baruch College in Manhattan. Her foray into journalism began unexpectedly in her senior year when a classmate’s absence from a radio slot allowed her to fill in.
This event marked the beginning of her journalism career, focusing on sharing stories of New Yorkers. In 2002, she joined NY1 as the Queens reporter.
In a statement, NY1 remarked, “Ruschell had a unique ability to connect with New Yorkers — both through the screen and in person, making her feel like a trusted friend. Highlighting the city’s diverse communities was always a priority.”
Her battle with pancreatic cancer began in 2021. Boone’s initial symptoms of vague stomach discomfort escalated to unbearable pains, leading to a critical emergency room visit. A subsequent CT scan confirmed the worst and began her battle with cancer.
Reflecting on the diagnosis, Boone shared, “I just started wailing, crying, and looking at my husband, thinking I heard it incorrectly. I thought, ‘Oh my God, I’m dead … My kids are going to grow up without a mother.”
Boone paused her career between June 2022 and March 2023 to undergo chemotherapy treatments. Upon her return, she shared with viewers that the treatment was “so brutal,” but she was back to “feeling great.”
Her comeback interview post-return was with Mayor Eric Adams, who expressed on Twitter, “Our city is so lucky to have @RuschellBoone back where she belongs — behind the anchor desk and holding all of us in positions of power to account.”
However, just four months after her cancer-free announcement, Boone shared on social media that her fight against the disease had worsened.
She expressed her eternal gratitude for the outpouring of love, saying, “Prayers have carried me through the difficult moments. Thank you for rooting for me.”
Beyond her journalistic duties, Boone championed the cause against pancreatic cancer. She was a vocal advocate, participating in significant events such as the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network’s Purple Stride walk and the Comedy vs. Cancer fundraiser by Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital.
Boone’s legacy isn’t only her journalistic accomplishments. The NY1 memo highlighted her remarkable ability to connect with others, describing her as “a joy to be around.”
She also received numerous accolades in her career, including Best Spot News Reporting from the New York Association of Black Journalists, a New York Press Club Award, and a New York Emmy Award.
Boone is survived by her husband, Todd, and two sons, Carter and Jackson.
