Andy Cohen choked up as he announced the Bravo staffer’s tragic death on “Watch What Happens Live” Thursday night.
The host informed viewers on Tuesday that production manager Kyla Samson passed away at the age of 28 from a brain tumor.
“During her four wonderful years with us, Kyla was known for her kind smile and gentle demeanor. But she also has the potential to be a small but mighty enforcer,” Cohen, 58, told the audience.
“Seeing Kyla get on the loudspeaker with a huge crowd at BravoCon was truly a sight to behold,” he recalled in a touching eulogy.
Mr Cohen added that Samson would be “sorely missed” and tearfully appealed to the public to honor her “legacy” by donating to the Kayla Fund. “This fund will help provide urgently needed research for people with glioblastoma and will hopefully help Kyla in the future.”
Wiping away tears, Cohen concluded: “We send all our prayers and love to her family and friends. We love you, Kayla.”
“At the age of 27, Samson was diagnosed with a type of glioblastoma multiforme, one of the most aggressive types of brain cancer,” the fundraiser states.
While the late 28-year-old approached her treatment with “unwavering determination,” she also prioritized “spending time with loved ones, laughing with friends, enjoying music, consuming popular culture, and creating beautiful memories.”
“Despite unimaginable circumstances, Kyla led with courage, bravery, grit, strength and integrity.”
Samson’s father, David Samson, spoke to the New York Times following his daughter’s tragic death.
The former president of the Miami Marlins told the show: “We all have a combination of sadness and sadness and incredible gratitude because she didn’t get fooled for 28 years. She didn’t get fooled for a day. But now she’s been fooled because she could have been fooled.”
David, 58, added: “Kayla is a statistic and I want her to be one of the catalysts to stop this pain from affecting other families and other young people.”
“I want her to end this path of devastation,” he continued. “This is a horrible, incredible disease. One day it’s over and there’s no going back.”
David said it was “unthinkable” for the “hole” in Kayla’s family, including her mother Cindy, sister Hannah and brother Caleb.
“I’m not going to be silent about Kyla, ever,” David said. “I won’t let anyone forget her. She’s unforgettable.”
