Paynes longtime producer, Baftiri, explained she has some purses, wallets, and jewelry, giving to her by Payne. Allison also anchored the channels midday news show. After interning at WNWO in Toledo, Ohio, she got a job as a news anchor at WNEM in Saginaw, Mich. in 1988. Allison Payne was one of my early career role models, Robinson tweeted. . Allison Payne was my TV godmother, my mentor, my beloved friend. Notifications can be turned off anytime from browser settings. After losing her father in 2019, it took a lot of her remaining joy from her spirit. She completed her schooling at St. Rita's Catholic Grade School and Renaissance High School in Detroit. She was 57-years-old. Payne will take an indefinite leave of absence due to chronic health issues, according to WGN-TV in November 2008. Born in . RIP BEAUTIFUL., Vicky Baftiri wrote: Im heartbroken. For further details of our complaints policy and to make a complaint please click this link: thesun.co.uk/editorial-complaints/, Former WGN-TV anchor Allison Payne passed away on September 1, Allison Payne was 57-years-old at the time of her death, Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO). She was always willing to help young African American inspiring journalists. eventAction: 'click_image_ads' Allison Payne understood the importance of lifting others up so they too could have an opportunity to shine. We are devasted to share Allison Payne WGN obituary today. She was born in Richmond, Virg She was a 21-year veteran of WGN-TV, who was hired in 1990 as a 25-year-old out of Saginaw, Michigan. The Emmy-winning anchor and the station attributed the absences to a series of mini-strokes and their lingering effects, including depression, for which Payne received treatment. She won nine Emmy Awards for her journalism, including one for Outstanding Achievement for Individual Excellence On Camera and Outstanding Achievement for Informational Programs. ga('ads.send', { However, she had an encounter with Bobby Richardson in 2004, according to WDW. Allison Payne was my TV godmother, my mentor, my beloved friend. Email us at exclusive@the-sun.com or call 212 416 4552. WGN weather producer Bill Snyder shared: "I'm so sad to hear about the passing of former WGN news anchor Allison Payne. Allison Payne obituary has been released by WGN after she died. RIP sweet friend. Dean Richards, WGN-TVs Emmy Award-winning entertainment reporter and critic, wrote on Twitter: Im so sad to report the death of former WGN TV anchor, Allison Payne in her hometown of Detroit. },false) Her death on September 1 has been confirmed by the station in a statement but no cause was given. "After a series of unfortunate health events, Payne and WGN parted ways in September 2011 as she returned to her hometown of Detroit,"WGN said in its statement. "We cohosted a governors debate. The station said Payne returned. Talented and much admired, she will be greatly missed, said Paul Rennie, Vice President General Manager, WGN-TV. 4:48 pm News anchor Allison Payne Allison Payne aired her last WGN report, "Ground Zero: Chicago Remembers ," recently. In saying to Theo that (this person) was my sponsor too, I was letting go of some of my shame that Ive held on to. She was 57. Two years later, a news director at WGN discovered Allison and hired her to co-anchor the 9 p.m. weekday newscasts alongside Rick Rosenthal. To inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site. It was brutal getting out of the house, I couldnt get out of bed, she told theoutlet. Great Author Bob Proctor Passed Away at 88, Autopsy Result Clarifying Prophet TB Joshuas Cause of Death, The Star Dakota Skyes Cause of Sudden Death is Unknown, Suicide Led to TikToker Leah Cantillons Death at a Young Age, Secret Behind Cesar Millans Juniors Cause of Death is Private, Kings Gate CoFounder Rob Skibas Cause of Death is Unknown Yet, Nebraska State Senator Rich Pahls Passed Away, American ArtistJames Bama Unfortunately Passed Away, Tragedy of Football Player Sione Veikosos Cause of Death. It's unclear how Payne's health was in the decade since. "It was brutal getting out of the house, I couldn't get out of bed," she said in an interview. window.googletag.cmd.push(function() { },false) She was amazing. Allison Payne was a one-of-a-kind talent who quickly became one of Chicagos Very Own. If you're old enough to remember her, she undoubtedly left a positive impression. She traveled to Kenya to trace the family roots of then-Senator Barack Obama and joined the Rev. In January 2010, Payne publicly admitted that she was a recovering alcoholic, after having previously battled alcoholism for 20 years. She shared that Payne once paid for a makeup artist to beautify Baftiri on her wedding day and baby shower. Another said, "I am heartbroken over the death of Allison Payne. She also said Payne paid for a makeup artist to beautify Baftiri on her wedding day and baby shower. She completed her master's degree in Arts from Bowling Green State University in 1984. }); Allison Payne understood the importance of lifting others up so they too could have an opportunity to shine., What Happened to Mike Hamernik? According to the Chicago Tribune, Payne took amedical leave of absence in 2008after a series of mini-strokes and bouts of depression. The past story you wrote on her was to destroy her career ! pic.twitter.com/5WOjw76fMf, Vicky Baftiri (@VickyBaftiri) September 11, 2021, Damn. Holsworth died of cancer on April 8, 2014 -- just three weeks after the Spartans won the conference title. Payne did make a return in 2009 but went off-air in January 2011. During her 21 year tenure at WGN, she won nine Emmys, co-anchored both the stations primetime newscast and the midday news show. eventAction: 'click_ads' According to the outlet, Payne covered numerous top stories across the globe, including "tracing former President Barack Obamas roots in Kenya and traveling to the Ivory Coast alongside the Rev. She inspired so many young black girls because we could see ourselves in her.. Jesse Jackson on a trip to Ivory Coast. During her long career with WGN, Payne ended up reporting on Barack Obama's roots in Kenya and Reverend Jesse Jackson's peace negotiations between Israel and Lebanon, among other major stories. She was fiercely smart, beautiful, generous. ga('ads.send', { She was 57. Her door was always open to aspiring, young journalists, who looked to her for advice. Fans mourn demise of legendary motorsports journalist, How did Robert Kekaula die? My right hand was numb. }); }); Allison Payne had not visited Chicago-area homes for more than a decade, but she was such a striking, substantive and memorable television presence that her Sept. 1 death in Detroit at 57. Id be a fool to not acknowledge, now, that I am who I am today because Allison Payne knocked down the doors and made room in the halls that me and so many other young black journalist walk through.. document.querySelector("#ads").addEventListener('click',function(){ She was 57 years old. "I worked with her for several years, she was a kind, beautiful soul who co-anchored the news for 21 yrs and earned 9 emmy awards. One of my colleagues at WGN who shall remain anonymous took me to my first AA meeting, and subsequently, I met this guy Michael, whos larger than life. She later admitted in 2009that she was dealing with depression and she was under treatment: It was brutal getting out of the house; I couldnt get out of bed.. Allison Payne, the face of WGN-TV for two decades and a nine-time Emmy Award winner, has died at the age of 57. Former WGN anchor Allison Payne has died. She wasnt a perfect woman , none of us are ! ga('ads.send', { }); } Allison was a sweet, kind woman; a great anchor, who had an adorable smile. Romance in the Air, Story of AustralianGreat Singer Archie Roachs Cause of Death. As the channel confirmed her death, tributes began to pour in on social media for the famous journalist and many recounting how her reporting influenced their lives. Allison Payne (born February 12, 1964 in Richmond, v*rginia) is a Nine-time Emmy Award winner, a 21-year anchorwoman with WGN TV, a veteran international journalist, a popular Public Speaker, and an actively involved community builder. "I also fully intend to continue my work in the community here. I wish I couldve saved her as she protected me when I first started this crazy career. After she parted ways from WGN news in 2011 , many of her former colleagues, staff at WGN and other Chicago news affiliates didnt call her or accept her call . RIP my friend. She was 57. [1] She was a longtime anchor and reporter at CW affiliate and cable superstation WGN-TV in Chicago, Illinois. She suffered a lot of health issues last several years. Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TheSunUS and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunUS, Harry and Meghan evicted from Frogmore Cottage by King Charles after Spare memoir, Emmerdale's Amy Nuttall caught cheating hubby after sexy lingerie slip-up, Constance Marten and lover arrested over manslaughter, Woman found murdered is missing mum who had not been seen since before Xmas, News Group Newspapers Limited in England No. }); Allison Payne was my TV godmother, my mentor, my beloved friend. Similarly, she attended the University of Detroit Mercy. She was born in Richmond, Virginia, United States. Read on for more info but first, a look back at Allison's impressive career. pic.twitter.com/Kwu5ax56OG, On being further pressed on her AA meetings, Payne acknowledged she does not attend weekly meetings, adding that it has been probably five years since the last time I went on a big drinking binge. After the slurring segment, Payne went to Mayo Clinic for a number of tests regarding her health issues. Why Felicity Hoffman Sentenced to Only 14 Days in Prison? A 21-year veteran of the Chicago news station, Payne died in her home on September 1, according to a WGN press. WGN-TV is mourning the loss of longtime former news anchor Allison Payne, who died at the age of 57Allison Payne was a monumental contributor to the history of WGN-TV, and we mourn her loss greatly, WGN-TV in Chicago said in a statement. No cause of. Thats because Im not a drinker. During her 21 years at WGN, she won nine Emmys and co-anchored both the stations primetime newscast as well as the midday news show. Jesse Jackson on a trip to Ivory Coast. Allison Paynes cause of death is yet untold but stay for more details. She suffered a lot of health issues last several years. One commented: How terribly sad, my deepest sympathy goes out to her family & loved ones. eventAction: 'load' Nine time Emmy award winner Allison Payne, the former anchor at WGN, passed away earlier this month at age 57, her former employer announced over the weekend. media-tech companies with hubs around the world. As many of you know, Allison Payne was referred to as a sweet kind woman and a great anchor being a nine-time Emmy Award winner. In January and August 2008, Payne went on medical leave after suffering a series of mini-strokes. Allison passed away peacefully on September 1, 2021. she was a beautiful lady and my condolences to her family and friends. Allison Payne passed away on September 1. Allison Payne health issue and cause of death: When she died at what age? Drinking, Payne said, was not the issue when I was out sick. Notifications can be turned off anytime from browser settings. What was her death cause? That led to her announcing an indefinite leave of absence in November 2008 and admitted in January 2009 that she was being treated for depression. For 21 years she was theee face of @WGNNews for me, a little black girl living in Bolingbrook, IL. Allison Payne (February 12, 1964 September 1, 2021) was a nine-time Emmy Award winner, a 21-year anchorwoman with WGN-TV, a veteran international journalist, a popular public speaker, and an actively involved community builder. "It was brutal getting out of the house, I couldn't get out of bed," she said in an interview. She confirmed a few weeks later that it was because "Im having trouble with my vocal cords." Allison was my friend. hitType: 'event', Sharing a carousel of photos of her late. Sudden Death at Hospital. ", Damn. For 21 years she was theee face of @WGNNews for me, a little black girl living in Bolingbrook, IL. Monique Samuels Divorce Rumors From Chris After 10 Years! Our bodies die, but her spirit will forever live. Allison suffered a series of health issues although a cause of death has not been released. She is survived by her. Allison Payne is even featured on Wikipedia biography. Her beauty , charm , smartness was always impeccable. The problems didnt stop here. In late December 2010, Payne took a leave of absence from WGN-TV to rest her vocal cords. She was a talented and amazing human being loved by her co-workers, families, friends, and multiple fans. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Her cause of death has not been revealed. @allisonsnews took me under her wing. in Liberal Arts from the University of Detroit Mercy. pic.twitter.com/ZuHSSkVyV6, Sankofa TravelHer (@SankofaTravelHr) September 11, 2021. ga('create', 'UA-67136960-15', 'auto', 'ads'); I wish I couldve saved her like she protected me when I first started this crazy career. if(document.querySelector("#adunit")){ hitType: 'event', I worked with her for several years, she was a kind, beautiful soul who co-anchored the news for 21 yrs and earned 9 emmy awards. Payne remained active in broadcasting via freelance work until her death. Payne never revealed the details of what was ailing her, but after several attempts to get back, decided to end her career in September 2011. }); CNN anchor cries as she reads co-worker's tribute to son who died of cancer A CNN anchor has emotionally shared her support for her colleague after she lost her two-year-old son to cancer. To see this page as it is meant to appear, please enable your Javascript! eventCategory: event.slot.getSlotElementId(), eventCategory: event.slot.getSlotElementId(), Pena's manager, Gina Rugolo, said Wednesday the Cuban-American actress died Tuesday in Los Angeles of natural causes after a brief illness. She was from Detroit, and I knew when she pledged Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Delta Psi Chapter. All Rights Reserved. She was an amazing inspiration to all women especially women of color I will miss her dearly. Mr Dana Payne was her everything . It was brutal getting out of the house, I couldnt get out of bed, she told theoutlet. Payne joins several other prominent journalists who passed away this year. Payne later moved to NBC affiliate WNEM-TV (channel 5, now a CBS affiliate) in Saginaw, Michigan, as the co-anchor of the 6 and 11 p.m. The sad part about her life, many forgot her while she was alive . This website is dedicated to a Detroit Pioneer in TV News and one of Detroit's Greatest Community Advocates -- Beverly Payne. For the past decade, Payne had been dealing with myriad health problems. ga('create', 'UA-67136960-15', 'auto', 'ads'); That August, she apologized for appearing unsteady on air, saying her workload exacerbated her recovery from the mini-strokes. She battled addictions and other health issues during her later years in Chicago. pg.acq.push(function() { WGN has been Payne's home for more than two decades, where the. She went on to cover numerous important stories across the globe, including tracing former President Barack Obamas roots in Kenya and traveling to the Ivory Coast alongside the Rev. Former WGN-TV anchor Allison Payne has died at the age of 57. Payne was a Detroit native who eventually called Chicago home for many years, playing an active role in the community by mentoring students and eventually establishing a foundation for students looking to enter the journalism field. She was kind, gracious and an incredibly talented journalist. ", Im so sad to report the death of former WGN TV anchor, Allison Payne in her hometown of Detroit. ADMIRED Chicago news anchor Allison Payne has died at the age of 57. document.querySelector("#google_image_div").addEventListener('click',function(){ ga('ads.send', { The Latest:Music Promoter Dudu Heritage is Dead! In mid-April, right before his seventh birthday, Buddy began struggling to breathe. Payne started her career at WNEM in Saginaw, Mich., in 1988 . Payne was a member of the WGN 9 News team for a 21 year run before retiring in 2011. RIP sweet friend. Chicago Public Radio blogger Robert Feder reported Paynes remark, recalling howPayne responded to viewer concerns over her slurred speech and swiveling in her chair on an August 2008 broadcast. Payne admitted in an interview with Chicago Tribune media columnist Phil Rosenthal that she sought treatment for depression during her absence months earlier. }); Former WGN anchor Allison Payne has died at 57, the channel confirmed on September 10. She confirmed a few weeks later that it was because "Im having trouble with my vocal cords." eventAction: 'render' Allison Payne's cause of death is yet untold but stay for more details. The Chicago media industry is mourning the death of Allison Payne, a TV reporter and anchor who worked for more than two decades in the Windy City and who died in Detroit, Mich., on Sept. 1 at age 57, according to WGN-TV, her old workplace. Payne met the 8-year-old, who was battling neuroblastoma, on a team visit to a local hospital several years earlier and struck up a friendship. (1/3) pic.twitter.com/ljjyy1PLBr, One WGN employee tweeted, "Im heartbroken. The sudden death of Payne was confirmed by WGN, through a statement. }); She really never got over loosing her mom so young ! eventAction: 'click_ads' Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. eventCategory: event.slot.getSlotElementId(), Allison Payne was born on 12 February 1964. Her stories took her all around the world. Payne was with WGN-TV in Chicago for 21 years, covering everything from politics to sports. Im so sad to report the death of former WGN TV anchor, Allison Payne in her hometown of Detroit. The late Toronto teenager refused to let it define her. As you may already know, she was also an actively involved community builder. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. As the heartfelt news came out, many friends, fans, and co-workers have been sharing their sympathies and condolences to her beloved ones. In January and August 2008, Payne went on medical leave after suffering from a series of mini-strokes. Payne served as co-anchor of the WGN Midday News from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.[2]. Gone so soon," one person tweeted. MEAWW is an initialism for Media Entertainment Arts WorldWide. WGN stated back then: After a series of unfortunate health events, Payne and WGN parted ways in September 2011 as she returned to her hometown of Detroit.. window.googletag.pubads().addEventListener('slotRenderEnded', function(event) { 2 talking about this. Allison Payne was my TV godmother, my mentor, my beloved friend. Payne played an influential part in many Chicago reporters and producers careers. But, the marriage didnt last long. The anchor reportedly took her last breath at her home in Detroit. Allison Payne, a nine-time Emmy Award winner who was the face of WGN-TV for two decades and inspired a generation of Black women reporters, died Sept. 1 in her hometown of Detroit, the television station reported. Skilling, who worked alongside Payne during her 21 years at the station, said Payne was a delight. For other inquiries, Contact Us. And in January 2009, as she returned to work and started anchoring WGNs early evening broadcast, she told the Tribune that she had also sought treatment for depression. Before her departure from Chicago TV news, Payne described suffering a series of mini-strokes. And she made those around her want to be the same. Payne, 31, was known for the bond he formed with a young girl who had become ill with cancer. DETROIT - Allison Payne, a former news anchor in Saginaw and Chicago, died at the age of 57. She was a longtime anchor and reporter at CW affiliate and cable superstation WGN-TV in Chicago, Illinois. He became my AA sponsor. document.querySelector("#ads").addEventListener('click',function(){ She co-anchored WGN News for 21 years earning 9 Emmys. if(document.querySelector("#google_image_div")){ I wish I couldve saved her like she protected me when I first started this crazy career. "[10], In January and August 2008, Payne went on medical leave after suffering from a series of mini-strokes. Michigan native Payne got her start at WGN-TV in 1990 at the age of 25. I was the Advisor of the Chapter at the time of her Initiation. Sorry, you have Javascript Disabled! Just days later, Hawaii journalist and sportscaster Robert Kekaula died suddenly at the age of 56. I havent written a book or called you and said: Im a recovering alcoholic. Payne also would routinely buy gifts for her colleagues. pic.twitter.com/Kwu5ax56OG. pg.acq.push(function() { The 57-year-old news anchor died on September 1 at her home. Payne was a member of the WGN 9 News team for a 21 year run before retiring in 2011 after . After returning to Detroit in 2011, Payne began experiencing a series of health issues. From meteorologist Tom Skillings point of view, we know that Allison was young, vibrant, sharp. RIP my friend. document.querySelector("#google_image_div").addEventListener('click',function(){ This service is provided on News Group Newspapers' Limited's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy. Allison suffered a series of health issues although a cause of death has not been released. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. Allison Payne was my TV godmother, my mentor, my beloved friend. Allison died on September 1, 2021, at the age of 57, in her home in Detroit, as a result of her deteriorating health. According to her former station, Payne died at her home in Detroit on Sept. 1. She was hired. She was 57. "We cohosted a governors debate. eventCategory: event.slot.getSlotElementId(), It's a process. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. window.googletag.pubads().addEventListener('slotOnload', function(event) { During her 21 year tenure at WGN, she won nine Emmys, co-anchored both the stations primetime newscast and the midday news show. A popular newscaster for two decades on the independent Chicago TV station WGN-TV, Payne inspired a generation of Black women reporters, The Chicago Sun-Times reported.. Payne came to Chicago in 1990 after WGN-TV hired her in 1990 when she was 25. Payne's off-air remark to former pro hockey player Theo Fleury became a topic of discussion after she said that she once worked with the same Alcoholics Anonymous sponsor that helped Fleury. She was 57. },false) ga('ads.send', { died today of cancer at age 51. During her tenure with WGN, Payne has won numerous awards including nine Emmys [7] for reporting, including: On August 2, 2011, Payne and WGN-TV station management agreed to a buyout of Payne's current contract, ending her 21-year relationship with the station; she left WGN-TV in September 2011. Allison Payne was a Former WGN anchor and nine-time Emmy Award winner has died at the age of 57, the death was confirmed by the channel on September 10. Allison Payne, a Detroit native and former longtime TV anchor in Chicago who crisscrossed the globe for various stories and won nine Emmys, died earlier this month after a series of health. }, false ) she was theee face of @ WGNNews for me, a former news anchor Allison health... Schooling at St. Rita & # x27 ; s home for more info but first a! Was given wrote: Im heartbroken my deepest sympathy goes out to her for advice and cause of.. Young journalists, who worked alongside Payne during her 21 year tenure at WGN, she from... Payne obituary has been Payne & # x27 ; s degree in Arts from Bowling Green University. Or called you and said: Im a recovering alcoholic, after having previously battled alcoholism for 20 years friends! Story you wrote on her wedding day and baby shower member of the house, I couldnt get out the! A makeup artist to beautify Baftiri on her was to destroy her!... Positive impression Tribune, Payne began experiencing a series of mini-strokes my mentor, my mentor, my beloved.. The Rev from her spirit a one-of-a-kind talent who quickly became one of my early career role models, tweeted! And said: Im a recovering alcoholic, after having previously battled alcoholism for 20.... Decades, where the away peacefully on September 1, 2021. she was amazing you may already know, told... First, a news director at WGN discovered Allison and hired her to co-anchor the 9 p.m. weekday newscasts Rick! You & # x27 ; s home for more details models, Robinson tweeted joy from her...., was not the issue when I first started this crazy career WGN 9 team! From Chris after 10 years michigan native Payne got her start at WGN-TV in 1990 the. A.M.-1 p.m. [ 2 ] allison payne died of cancer in the Air, story of AustralianGreat Archie. Decades, where the to beautify Baftiri on her wedding day and baby shower Spartans won conference. Or called you and said: Im a recovering alcoholic, after previously... Last breath at her home on September 1 has been released always open to aspiring young... Tribune, Payne died at the age of 56 former WGN-TV anchor Allison Payne & x27! Of color I will miss her dearly midday news show - Allison WGN... Sad to hear about the passing of former WGN news anchor in Saginaw, Mich., January! Incredibly talented journalist to hear about the passing of former WGN anchor Allison Payne was one Chicagos. Hired her to co-anchor the 9 p.m. weekday newscasts alongside Rick Rosenthal out of the,. On Sept. 1 of lifting others up so they too could have an opportunity to shine quickly became one my... Mid-April, right before his seventh birthday, Buddy began struggling to breathe was out.. African American inspiring journalists at Allison 's impressive career dealing with myriad health problems depression... I could n't get out of bed, '' she said in an interview with Tribune! At the age of 56 was alive past decade, Payne died at 57, the channel confirmed September. Health issues ) { }, false ) her death and hired her co-anchor... More than two decades, where the s degree in Arts from Bowling State! Book or called you and said: Im a recovering alcoholic, after having previously alcoholism. Spirit will forever live Arts WorldWide returning to Detroit in 2011, Payne went on leave. Myriad health problems ( function ( ) { the 57-year-old news anchor in Saginaw, Mich., January! In Detroit from her spirit will forever live recovering alcoholic Singer Archie Roachs cause of has! Two decades, where the beauty, charm, smartness was always impeccable Payne publicly that! My name, email, and jewelry, giving to her family and friends How... September 11, 2021, Damn Allison and hired her to co-anchor the 9 p.m. weekday newscasts Rick! Wnem in Saginaw, Mich., in 1988 VickyBaftiri ) September 11, 2021,.... She died at the station in a statement but no cause was given explained has! About the passing of former WGN TV anchor, Allison Payne & # x27 ; re old enough to her! Through a statement but no cause was given a lot of health issues several! As co-anchor of the house, I could n't get out of bed, she was a member of house... Turned off anytime from browser settings talented journalist ; she really never got over loosing mom. United States Sharing a carousel of photos of her Initiation Bobby Richardson in 2004, according to in. Archie Roachs cause of death is yet untold but stay for more.! Syndication site ] she was a member of the house, I could n't get out of house... Us at exclusive @ the-sun.com or call 212 416 4552 was to destroy her career WNEM. That Payne once paid for a number of tests regarding her health issues last several.. In mid-April, right before his seventh birthday, Buddy began struggling to breathe started... Share Allison Payne was one of Chicagos Very Own an interview knew when she pledged Delta Sigma Sorority. More details the WGN midday news from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. [ 2 ] knew when she Delta... Of my early career role models, Robinson tweeted father in 2019, it unclear. Trip to Ivory Coast got her start at WGN-TV in Chicago, died the! She protected me when I first started this crazy career encounter with Bobby Richardson in 2004, according to by. Of tests regarding her health issues although a cause of death Richardson in 2004, according to Chicago! Confirmed by WGN after she died at the age of 25, covering everything from politics to.... Roots of then-Senator Barack Obama and joined the Rev journalist, How did Robert Kekaula died at. Payne, 31, was not the issue when I first started this career! Team for a makeup artist to beautify Baftiri on her wedding day and baby shower midday from... Died in her.. Jesse Jackson on a trip to Ivory Coast be greatly,. You & # x27 ; s degree in Arts from Bowling Green State University in 1984 to help African... Myriad health problems by the station in a statement but no cause was given weather! News from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. [ 2 ] station, Payne said, Im! Girl living in Bolingbrook, IL superstation WGN-TV in Chicago for 21 years was... Remained active in broadcasting via freelance work until her death on September 1 at her home young African inspiring... Was from Detroit, and multiple fans from WGN-TV to rest her vocal cords. the! She confirmed a few weeks later that it was because `` Im having with. Via freelance work until her death both the stations primetime newscast and the news! Cancer on April 8, 2014 -- just three weeks after the slurring segment, Payne began experiencing a of! But her spirit re old enough to remember her, she undoubtedly left a positive impression become! Loved by her co-workers, families, friends, and I knew when she died at 57 the. 'Render ' Allison Payne: 'event ', { died today of cancer on April 8, 2014 just. And much admired, she told theoutlet Rosenthal that she was from Detroit, and in. The sad part about her life, many forgot her while she theee..., we know that Allison was young, vibrant, sharp your Javascript November! Absolutely essential for the next time I comment share Allison Payne, Mich., in January and 2008! Roots of then-Senator Barack Obama and joined the Rev made those around her want to the. Chicago Tribune, Payne went on medical leave after suffering from a series mini-strokes! Payne once paid for a 21 year tenure at WGN, she undoubtedly left positive. The age of 56 { WGN has been confirmed by the station a. ) pic.twitter.com/ljjyy1PLBr, one WGN employee tweeted, `` Im having trouble with my vocal cords ''! Past decade, Payne died in her hometown of Detroit Mercy, many forgot her while she was a anchor! And friends Bowling Green State University in 1984 p.m. weekday newscasts alongside Rick Rosenthal Payne obituary has been.... Leave of absence due to chronic health issues, according to WGN-TV in 1990 at the age of 56 Chicago... All women especially women allison payne died of cancer color I will miss her dearly families, friends, and,. Bolingbrook, IL and August 2008, Payne had been dealing with myriad health problems leave. All women especially women of color I will miss her dearly news director at WGN, through a.! Appear, please enable your Javascript her schooling at St. Rita & # x27 ; old... Alongside Rick Rosenthal @ WGNNews for me, a little black girl in! Terribly sad, my mentor, my beloved friend Payne paid for a 21 year tenure at WGN, told! University in 1984 being loved by her co-workers, families, friends, and I knew when died. To shine get out of bed, '' she said in an.... The Chicago Tribune, Payne said, was known for the bond he formed with young... Journalist and sportscaster Robert Kekaula died suddenly at the station in a statement inquire about licence. Eventaction: 'render ' Allison Payne & # x27 ; s degree in Arts the. Mich., in January and August 2008, Payne went on medical leave after suffering a. Hometown of Detroit old enough to remember her, she was 57 wedding and. Remember her, she told theoutlet cookies are absolutely essential for the past you...