Kathryn Hoedt, a producer for KCRA 3 News in Sacramento, California, lost her life in a terrible accident at Folsom Lake on August 12, 2023. She was only 23 years old. Hoedt, who went by Katie, was a brilliant and hardworking journalist who loved to tell stories and serve the public. Her coworkers, friends, and family are grieving her death and honoring her memory.
What Happened at Folsom Lake
California State Parks officials said that Hoedt was part of an accident that involved a rope swing on the bank of Folsom Lake, a popular spot for recreation near Sacramento. She dropped about 30 feet from the rope swing onto the shore just north of Rattlesnake Bar, a park representative said.
Her friends brought her to the boat ramp where an off-duty doctor and a kind stranger did CPR. She was then taken by ambulance to Sutter Roseville Medical Center, where she died from her injuries.
The inquiry into the accident is still underway, but it seems to be a tragic case of bad luck. Folsom Lake, which is usually a place of fun and relaxation, became the scene of an unforeseen tragedy that shocked and saddened many people.
The Life of Kathryn Hoedt
Hoedt was a valued member of the KCRA 3 News team who produced the 8 a.m. newscast. She joined the station in January 2023 after graduating from New York University with a master’s degree in journalism at 21 years old. She also had a bachelor’s degree in journalism from San Jose State University, where she worked on several student-run publications, such as The Spear and The Spartan Daily.
Hoedt was known for her careful attention to detail, her excitement for her work, and her lively personality. She curated the news that viewers depended on to start their day, delivering accurate and timely information with professionalism and integrity. She also had a skill for finding and telling stories that mattered to the public, touching the lives of many people with her powerful journalism.
| Name | Kathryn Hoedt |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | May 15, 2000 |
| Date of Death | August 12, 2023 |
| Age | 23 |
| Cause of Death | Accident at Folsom Lake |
| Occupation | Producer for KCRA 3 News |
| Education | Master’s degree in journalism from New York University; Bachelor’s degree in journalism from San Jose State University |
Her coworkers at KCRA 3 News described her as a bright and cheerful person who filled the newsroom with her enthusiasm and her laughter was infectious. She was also proud to be a journalist and deeply committed to serving the public. Her news director, Derek Schnell, said in an email to SFGATE: “Our team is heartbroken about the loss of Katie Hoedt. She had a vibrant personality, she lit up the newsroom with her enthusiasm and her laughter was contagious. She was also proud to be a journalist and she was deeply committed to serving our community.”
Her professors and mentors at San Jose State University also remembered her as a dedicated and talented journalist who had a bright future ahead of her. Dona Nichols, a professor and advisor to the journalism department, wrote in an email to SFGATE: “I will never forget her. She was a first-time freshman in my MCOM-72 class Fall 2018 and came up after class to ask if there was any opportunity to work on a student publication. She then showed samples of her own publication she had been publishing online.” Nichols said Hoedt’s death is “a great loss to the School of Journalism and to the [news] industry as well.”
Her friends and family also shared their sorrow and their memories of Hoedt on social media, posting photos and videos of her smiling face, her adventurous spirit, and her loving heart. They expressed their gratitude for having known her and their sorrow for losing her too soon.
Quick Summary
- Kathryn Hoedt died in an accident involving a rope swing at Folsom Lake on August 12, 2023.
- She was a producer for KCRA 3 News which produced the 8 a.m. newscast.
- She graduated from New York University with a master’s degree in journalism at 21 years old.
- She also graduated from San Jose State University with a bachelor’s degree in journalism.
- She was known for her lively personality, her dedication to her work, and her passion for storytelling.
- She touched the lives of many people with her powerful journalism and her cheerful presence.
- She is survived by her parents, her brother, and her extended family and friends.
Frequently Asked Q/A
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Who was Kathryn Hoedt?
Kathryn Hoedt was a producer for KCRA 3 News in Sacramento, California, who lost her life in a terrible accident at Folsom Lake on August 12, 2023. She was 23 years old.
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How did Kathryn Hoedt die?
Kathryn Hoedt died after dropping about 30 feet from a rope swing onto the shore of Folsom Lake, a popular spot for recreation near Sacramento. She was taken to the hospital, where she died from her injuries.
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What did Kathryn Hoedt do?
Kathryn Hoedt was a journalist who produced the 8 a.m. newscast for KCRA 3 News. She curated the news that viewers depended on to start their day, delivering accurate and timely information with professionalism and integrity. She also had a skill for finding and telling stories that mattered to the public, touching the lives of many people with her powerful journalism.
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What was Kathryn Hoedt’s background?
Kathryn Hoedt graduated from New York University with a master’s degree in journalism at the age of 21. She also had a bachelor’s degree in journalism from San Jose State University, where she worked on several student-run publications, such as The Spear and The Spartan Daily. She joined KCRA 3 News in January 2023.
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How are people remembering Kathryn Hoedt?
People are remembering Kathryn Hoedt as a bright and cheerful person who filled the newsroom with her enthusiasm and her laughter was infectious. She was also proud to be a journalist and deeply committed to serving the public. Her coworkers, friends, and family are grieving her death and honoring her memory. They are sharing their sorrow and their memories of her on social media, posting photos and videos of her smiling face, her adventurous spirit, and her loving heart.
