A post on the Tri City News Facebook page described Jennifer as
"a gifted journalist, a trusted voice in our community, and a wonderful storyteller. Through her reporting, she brought clarity, compassion, and integrity to the stories that mattered most to Harlan County and beyond. Her work reflected a deep commitment to truth and to the people she served."
In 2025 WUKY hired McDaniels as an eastern Kentucky correspondent bringing Lexington area listeners authentic perspectives of the people and issues important to her region including how coal communities survive and re-invent themselves in the wake of the industry's demise. One of her first assignments was covering the 2025 SOAR Summit in Corbin. She also reported on the Doug Harless case in London.
https://www.wuky.org/people/jennifer-mcdaniels
Tri City News reports:
"Beyond her professional accomplishments, Jennifer leaves behind an enduring legacy of generosity. As an organ donor, she gave the gift of life to others even in her passing — a final act that speaks volumes about the kind of person she was."
Funeral arrangements for Jennifer McDaniels are pending.