Andy Cohen got choked up announcing the tragic death of a Bravo staffer during Thursday night’s “Watch What Happens Live.”
The host shared with viewers that production manager Kyra Samson died from brain cancer on Tuesday at 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,” Cohen, 58, told the audience.
“To see Kyra on a bullhorn corralling massive crowds at BravoCon was truly a sight to behold,” he reminisced in the emotional tribute.
Adding that Samson will be “terribly missed,” Cohen tearfully urged the public to honor 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 wiped away tears and concluded, “We are sending all of our prayers and love to her family and friends. We love you, Kyra.
The fundraiser states that Samson was “diagnosed at 27 years old with a type of glioblastoma multiforme, one of the most aggressive forms of brain cancer.”
While the late 28-year-old underwent treatment with “unwavering determination,” she also prioritized “time with loved ones, laughter with friends, music, consuming popular culture and creating beautiful memories.”
Despite her “unimaginable circumstances, Kyra led with courage, bravery, grit, strength, and authenticity.”
Samson’s dad, David Samson, spoke with the New York Times after his daughter’s tragic passing.
“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,” the former president of the Miami Marlins told the outlet.
David, 58, added that he wants “Kyra to be the statistic — one of the catalysts that helped stop this pain from impacting other families and other young people.”
“I want her to be the end of the road of this devastation,” he continued. “It’s a ravaging, unbelievable disease: One day, that’s it, and there’s no going back.”
David called “the hole” in his family — which includes Kyra’s mother, Cindi, sister, Hannah, and brother, Caleb — “unthinkable.”
“I’m not going to be silent about Kyra — ever,” David shared. “I won’t allow anyone to forget her. She’s unforgettable.”
