Ruschell Boone (née West, 1975 – 3 September 2023): Resilient Journalist with a Passion for Truth
Ruschell Boone, a Jamaican-born American journalist based in New York City, dedicated her life to reporting and storytelling. Born in Kingston, Jamaica, in 1975, she immigrated to the Bronx at the age of 11, where she faced early challenges due to her Jamaican accent.
Despite the obstacles, Boone pursued higher education and earned a degree in accounting from City University of New York (CUNY) Baruch College. However, during her senior year, she discovered her true passion for journalism while stepping in for a missing guest on a college radio segment. Despite discouragement from an academic counselor, who believed it was too late for a career change, Boone pursued her newfound calling.
Boone’s career in cable television news began in 1998 when she worked as a business news associate for CNBC. She later transitioned to roles at CNN, serving as an associate producer and assignment editor. In 2002, she joined NY1, where she made a lasting impact until her passing.
At NY1, Boone showcased her reporting skills, covering significant events such as the 2016 pressure-cooker bombing in Manhattan and the 2016 presidential election. Over the years, she became a respected general assignment reporter for NY1’s Live at Ten newscast. Her dedication and excellence were acknowledged with multiple New York Emmy Award nominations for news reporting and contributions to NY1’s talk shows.
In her personal life, Boone found love and companionship with Todd Boone, whom she married on 24 September 2005. They were blessed with two children, creating a loving family environment. In 2022, she faced a challenging battle with pancreatic cancer, taking medical leave from NY1 for treatment. Despite her courageous return to the anchor desk, she eventually succumbed to complications on 3 September 2023, leaving behind a legacy of resilience and journalistic integrity. At the age of 48, Ruschell Boone’s indelible mark on journalism will be remembered and cherished.