Andy Cohen announced the death of Kyra Samson, a 28-year-old former production manager for Bravo, during Thursday night's broadcast of "Watch What Happens Live." Cohen became visibly emotional as he shared that Samson died on Tuesday from brain cancer.
"During her four wonderful years with us, Kyra was known for her sweet smile and gentle demeanor," Cohen told the audience. "But she could also be a small but mighty enforcer." He recalled her ability to manage large crowds, noting, "To see Kyra on a bullhorn corralling massive crowds at BravoCon was truly a sight to behold."
Samson was diagnosed at 27 with glioblastoma multiforme, an aggressive form of brain cancer. The Kyra Fund has been established to support research for glioblastomas. "We are sending all of our prayers and love to her family and friends. We love you, Kyra," Cohen stated, urging viewers to donate to the fund in her memory.
Kyra Samson's father, David Samson, who is the former president of the Miami Marlins, spoke with The New York Times about his daughter's 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," he said. David Samson expressed a desire for his daughter to be "one of the catalysts that helped stop this pain from impacting other families and other young people."
David Samson vowed to keep his daughter's memory alive, stating, "I'm not going to be silent about Kyra — ever. I won’t allow anyone to forget her. She's unforgettable."