Kyra Samson, who worked on some of the biggest shows on TV including Who Wants To Be a Millionaire, The Traitors and Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, died at the age of 28 on Tuesday, June 23 following “a 9 month and 11 day fight” against brain cancer. The devastating news was confirmed by her father, podcaster David Samson, in a heartbreaking Instagram post as he revealed the family have also set up a charity fund in her name. Alongside a picture of a smiling Kyra enjoying a picnic in the park he penned: “Yesterday, my daughter, Kyra, passed away peacefully after a 9 month and 11 day fight against one of the cruelest diseases I’ve ever seen up close. She was diagnosed with Brain Cancer, specifically Glioblastoma. I have felt all of your concern and love for these months and wasn’t ready to be anymore specific than I was.
“Kyra was a 28-year-old young woman who loved deeply and who is impossible to describe in 280 characters. While her life got stolen from her, she handled these months with courage, poise, and resolve. And all I want is for no family to feel what we feel today. For no young person to suffer the way she did. In lieu of flowers, if you are moved to make a memorial gift, please consider “The Kyra Fund” (fundraise.gbmresearch.org/thekyrafund).
Kyra started her career as a Production Assistant before working her way up to Production Manager at Watch What Happens Live! with Andy Cohen. She subsequently moved to Los Angeles, where she became the Production Coordinator, Live Events at the hugely popular long running quiz show Jeopardy! She also led production for BravoCon and the Season 1 reunion for The Traitors.
The Athletic reported she received her diagnosis after Michael Davies, the executive producer for Jeopardy!, noticed her symptoms and phoned her father to share his concerns.
David shared Kyra’s tragic health news during a September 2025 episode of his podcast. “I’ve been gone for two weeks as my family has been dealing with a critical situation,” he said. “I have a daughter who is seriously ill, and it came out of nowhere. I have been spending the last two weeks trying to figure out how to do the only thing that matters, which is to take care of her and my other children and my family.”
At the time of her death, Kyra was engaged to William Truesdel. They met at college and were together for eight years.
Andy Cohen became tearful on Watch What Happens live as he paid tribute to Kyra Samson (Image: Getty)
Among those paying tribute after the news broke was Andy Cohen, who got emotional during Watch What Happens Live.
“During her four wonderful years with us, Kyra was known for her sweet smile and gentle demeanour, but she could also be a small but mighty enforcer,” he said as he choked back tears.
“To see Kyra on a bullhorn corralling massive crowds at BravoCon was truly a sight to behold. She’s going to be terribly missed by all of us here, and no doubt by everyone who was lucky enough to know her.”
Jeopardy! also remembered Kyra in a moving Facebook post accompanied by the caption: “We are devastated by the tragic loss of Kyra Samson, a beloved member of the Jeopardy! team. Our hearts go out to her family and loved ones during this very difficult time.”