ABC 7 producer murdered in Belize

Anne Swaney, executive producer of online operations at WLS-Channel 7, was found murdered Friday while vacationing in Belize, the ABC-owned station reported Friday.

Swaney, 39, who was traveling in the Cayo district of western Belize, was staying at the Nabitunich Farm near the town of San Jose Succotz, according to an ABC 7 report. The hotel owner told the station he had reported Swaney missing Thursday and that her body was discovered by police Friday near the hotel.

Anne Swaney

Anne Swaney

An ABC 7 spokeswoman released a statement calling Swaney “a tremendous leader in our newsroom, with a penchant for detail and a passion for always getting it right,” adding: “Her keen knowledge of news and innate patience made her a remarkable teacher and mentor.  Anne was a trailblazer in the digital news space and was one of our first website employees.   Anne helped us evolve our business and our newsroom, but most importantly she was a kind person who always had a smile and a positive attitude. She always made us better, and will be missed by everyone.”

Swaney, a graduate of Northwestern University, began in November 1999 as executive producer of online operations at abc7chicago.com.

Here is the text of an email to employees from John Idler, president and general manager of ABC 7:

It is with deep sadness that I write this email.  I am sorry to inform you that our friend and colleague Anne Swaney died yesterday while vacationing in Belize.  She was a tremendous leader in our newsroom, with a penchant for detail and a passion for always getting it right.  Her keen knowledge of news and innate patience made her a remarkable teacher and mentor.  Anne was a trailblazer in the digital news space and was one of our first website employees.   Anne helped us evolve our business and our newsroom, but most importantly she was a kind person who was always had a smile and a positive attitude.
 
The local authorities are investigating her death as a homicide.  We will be reporting the story in today’s newscast.
 
I know this is a difficult time for everyone. Please keep her family and friends in your thoughts and prayers.