The Waco Tribune-Herald announced that public safety reporter Kristin Hoppa has passed away from complications with diabetes on Thursday. Hoppa was 34 years old.
She was visiting family in Indiana at the time of her death, the Waco Tribune said.
Hoppa had been serving the Waco community since 2016. She worked in Northwest Missouri covering crime-related issues before moving to Central Texas.
"We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Kristin Hoppa, a local journalist for the Waco Tribune-Herald. Her passing represents an enormous loss to our community, her family, and all of those that she touched with her journalism," Adam Chase, Vice President/General Manager KXXV & KRHD News, said. "Our condolences, thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Hoppa family."
Chances are that if you ever read a crime story in the paper, you are familiar with her work. Hoppa covered many stories that impacted the Waco community. She was on the scene after a man ran over an officer and was shot; she followed the tragic story of Frankie Gonzalezand she updated the community as the sheriff's office searched for evidence in the case where a woman and her baby were shot and killed.
For those who knew Hoppa, she was always the first on the scene and had a passion for breaking news. She was a self-proclaimed "news nerd," and anyone who was lucky to work beside her knew she was a force to be reckoned with.
Although she never worked for KXXV-TV, she left an impact on many reporters and staff members. Many of our MMJs learned the ropes at the beginning of their careers watching her navigate crime scenes.
“She was the reporter who found out everything first but was always there to help others especially when they needed it the most," Elisa Navarro said. "She taught me a lot, helped me a lot and became a mentor and good friend of mine. She had the biggest heart and will be missed.”
"Kristin always knew how to make us fellow journalists smile when we would run into each other during a big story," Cierra Shipley said. "She has a bright and lighthearted spirit - but knew when to work hard, and she put out great work, always."
"My first year at KXXV can be summed up as me yelling 'Did you see what Hoppa tweeted?' from across the newsroom," Digital Director Taylor Corbett said. "I was fortunate enough to be able to message her later and scold her for beating me to everything. She always gave me tips, but I knew I would never be able best her. She was too good."
Aside from being an avid Kansas City sports fan, Hoppa loved animals. Her social media was filled with updates on her three dogs and her enthusiasm for the University of Kansas Jayhawks.
