CNN Host Don Lemon's Sister Drowns in Fishing Accident

CNN anchor Don Lemon is mourning the death of his older sister after she fell into a pond and drowned on Wednesday.

L'Tanya "Leisa" Lemon Grimes, 58, died while fishing in Denham Springs, Louisiana, reported the New Orleans Times-Picayune.

Lemon wrote on Twitter on Thursday: "Thanks everyone for your words of sympathy. Please keep my family in your prayers. Leisa was my oldest sister & partner in crime growing up. Always had my back. #RIPbigSis."

Police were called to a reported accident in the Livingston Trace area of Denham Springs at around 4 p.m. on Wednesday after a woman reportedly tripped and drowned in a neighborhood pond while fishing.

Lori Steele, a Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office spokeswoman, confirmed on Thursday that the downing was a freak accident and no foul play has been linked to Grimes's death.

"The Lemon/Grimes family would like to thank everyone for their condolences and prayers at this time. Our family has suffered the tragic loss of L'Tanya 'Leisa' Lemon Grimes and we are leaning on each other for strength at this time. We appreciate privacy as we grieve the loss of our loved one," Lemon's family said in a statement to the Times-Picayune.

Lemon missed his show CNN Tonight with Don Lemon on Thursday night following his sister's death.

Grimes's two daughters, Kimberly and Katie, have both posted tributes on their social media accounts.

"I'm at a loss for words and struggling to understand how and why. We love you mom! Thanks to everyone that has called or texted to check on us," Kimberly wrote on Instagram.

Katie wrote: "Yesterday we lost our mom and I've never felt so hurt and empty in my life. I am grateful for all of the memories we have together."

Earlier on Thursday, Lemon also tweeted a video of a mock news segment in which young children report on how "black excellence is at an all-time high." Lemon wrote: "This lifted my spirits. I needed this today. Thank you."