Gone so soon," one person tweeted. media-tech companies with hubs around the world. Allison was a sweet, kind woman; a great anchor, who had an adorable smile. A native of Richmond, Virginia, Payne grew up in Detroit and graduated from the University of Detroit and Bowling Green State University. eventCategory: event.slot.getSlotElementId(), }) hitType: 'event', The National Weather Service is tracking a storm that could bring a decent accumulation of snow. Just got the news that longtime @WGNTV anchor Allison Payne has died. 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. pic.twitter.com/h7VoAB2KHq, rolandsmartin (@rolandsmartin) September 11, 2021, A decade+ later, I started working at WGN. We shared good times and bad times and just spoke about a month ago. She was born in Richmond, Virginia, United States. CHICAGO'S WGN-TV is mourning one of their own after a former 21-year anchor passed away. I don't want to play a violin, but I am still recovering, she said at the time. pg.acq.push(function() { R.I.P. Her death on September 1 has been confirmed by the station in a statement but no cause was given. Her big break came two years later when she was discovered by WGN news director Paul Davis and she moved to Chicago to replace Pat Harvey alongside Rick Rosenthal on the 9 p.m. Monday-through-Friday newscast. No way I was drunk on the air. It is unclear if she was ever married. Obituary: Allison Payne Wgn Death Cause How Did She Died? 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. 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 was my friend. I wish I couldve saved her as she protected me when I first started this crazy career. reporters on a platform technologically tailored to meet the needs of the modern reader. This service is provided on News Group Newspapers' Limited's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy. Allison Payne was my TV godmother, my mentor, my beloved friend. hitType: 'event', 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. In late December 2010, Payne took a leave of absence from WGN-TV to rest her vocal cords. We are grateful for the many contributions she made to WGN-TV and to Chicago. She was amazing. As you may already know, she was also an actively involved community builder. Was Allison Payne married? [1] She was a longtime anchor and reporter at CW affiliate and cable superstation WGN-TV in Chicago, Illinois. Allison Payne is even featured on Wikipedia biography. ga('create', 'UA-67136960-15', 'auto', 'ads'); Former WNEM TV-5 News Anchor Allison Payne has passed away at the age of 57. 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. I cant believe shes gone." Sorry, you have Javascript Disabled! }); document.querySelector("#google_image_div").addEventListener('click',function(){ WGN, Outstanding Achievement for Individual Excellence On Camera: Programming Program Host/Moderator/Contributor: Allison Payne People to People. Thats why I was so happy to talk to Theo. Payne also started a foundation for students looking to enter journalism. ga('ads.send', { ga('create', 'UA-67136960-15', 'auto', 'ads'); @allisonsnews took me under her wing. if(document.querySelector("#google_image_div")){ What was her death cause? },false) Elias Ghebretsehay Height, Weight, Net Worth, Age, Birthday, Wikipedia, Who, Nationality, Biography, Now council tax could ALSO rise next year in double whammy for British households. Allison Payne's cause of death is yet untold but stay for more details. } window.googletag.pubads().addEventListener('slotRenderEnded', function(event) { pic.twitter.com/h7VoAB2KHq, I am heartbroken over the death of Allison Payne. These cookies do not store any personal information. We send our thoughts and prayers to Allison Paynes friends and family. Fellow Chicagoland journalist Afuna Owusu tweeted: I am heartbroken over the death of Allison Payne. The anchor reportedly took her last breath at her home in Detroit. Allison suffered a series of health issues although a cause of death has not been released. Payne, 31, was known for the bond he formed with a young girl who had become ill with cancer. She traveled to Kenya to trace the family roots of then-Senator Barack Obama and joined the Rev. According to the Chicago Tribune, Payne took amedical leave of absence in 2008after a series of mini-strokes and bouts of depression. Allison Griffin Payne, 57, of Detroit, Michigan, passed away on September 1, 2021. After a series of unfortunate health events, Payne and WGN parted ways in September 2011 as she returned to her hometown of Detroit, WGN-TV reported. 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. (1/3) pic.twitter.com/ljjyy1PLBr, One WGN employee tweeted, "Im heartbroken. It's unclear how Payne's health was in the decade since. Michigan native Payne got her start at WGN-TV in 1990 at the age of 25. } My parents moved my bedtime to 9:30p so that I could watch the nightly news with @AllisonPayneTV & Steve Sanders. She had been suffering from depression for some time and was receiving medication and treatment for it. eventAction: 'render' We are one of the worlds fastest growing WGN, Outstanding Achievement within a Regularly Scheduled News Program Specialty Report: Religion: Blue Eyes, Black Soul: Allison Payne, Reporter; Pam Grimes, Michael DAngelo, Producers. Allison Payne Biography Allison Payne Wiki, Allison Payne Husband Allison Payne Husband Bobby Richardson, Allison Payne Wedding Allison Payne Married, Maria Mendiola Wiki, Cancer, Husband, Net Worth, Baccara, Age, Children, Family, Height, Instagram, Nationality, Syleena Johnson Wiki, Age, Husband, Net Worth, Siblings, Family, Salary, Height, Instagram, Ally Sturm Wiki, Age, Husband, Family, Wedding, Salary, Height, Net Worth, Instagram, Mel Thompson Suicide, Cause of Death, Husband, Net Worth, Health, Obituary, Reddit, Instagram. in Liberal Arts from the University of Detroit Mercy. CHICAGO (CBS) -- Chicago television icon Allison Payne has died. At the time, she told Chicago Tribune, I was not drunk," and instead blamed the incident on the effects of the mini-strokes, with a combination of adrenaline-fueled excitement. [4], She moved to Chicago in 1990 to anchor the station's primetime 9 p.m. newscast, which she anchored until 2009. She battled addictions and other health issues during her later years in Chicago. "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. Allison Payne, the longtime TV news reporter anchor for Chicago's WGN, died on September 1 at age 57, WGN reported. Why dont you do a story on that? Its not something you advertise. Im so sad to report the death of former WGN TV anchor, Allison Payne in her hometown of Detroit. MEAWW is an initialism for Media Entertainment Arts WorldWide. Allison passed away peacefully on September 1, 2021. This hurts.". In late December 2010, Payne took a leave of absence from WGN-TV to rest her vocal cords. }); For the past decade, Payne had been dealing with myriad health problems. "It was brutal getting out of the house, I couldn't get out of bed," she said in an interview. }) Jesse Jackson. She was hired. Just got the news that longtime @WGNTV anchor Allison Payne has died. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. In 2008, Allison suffered from mini-strokes in both January and August. She was fiercely smart, beautiful, generous., Afua S. Owusu, an exec producer on CW26s The Jam, recalled watching Payne as a little black girl living in Bolingbrook, IL. . Allison Payne was one of my early career role models, Robinson tweeted. To inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site. She was proud of excellence hers, yours and anyone elses, Martin wrote. She died on September 1, 2021, in Detroit, Michigan. Then WGN 9 News Director Greg Caputo told Chicago Tribune said that her drinking issues had got nothing to do with why Payne had been off the air for much of 2008. Allison Payne, the longtime TV news reporter anchor for Chicago's WGN, died on September 1 at age 57, WGN reported. (Twitter/ @vanishedchicago) Former WGN-TV anchorwoman Allison Payne, who died at the age of 57 on September 10, had once opened up about her struggles with alcohol addiction for which she had sought rehabilitation. She also opened up about struggles with depression and alcohol dependence. MEAWW brings you the best content from its global team of A series of unprofessional on-air appearances, including slurring of words, glassy-eyed gazes, and sobbing led to massive criticisms, forced the channel to demote her from the 5.30 pm and 9.00 pm newscast. Other tributes flooding social media shared Skillings sentiment. She had been living in California recently and. Email us at exclusive@the-sun.com or call 212 416 4552. Notifications can be turned off anytime from browser settings. 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.. We are still waiting for an official explanation on how Allison Payne died. But, the real reason behind her untimely demise is still not confirmed. },false) eventCategory: event.slot.getSlotElementId(), }); "I wish I couldve saved her like she protected me when I first started this crazy career. I wish I couldve saved her like she protected me when I first started this crazy career. WGN producer Vicky Baftiritweeted: Im heartbroken. For other inquiries, Contact Us. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. }) Read on for more info but first, a look back at Allison's impressive career. pic.twitter.com/Kwu5ax56OG, DeanRichards (@DeanRichards) September 11, 2021. Article continues below advertisement Allison Payne's cause of death has not yet been revealed. One could only speculate where that incredible career was going to go, said Tom Skilling, WGN-TV Chief Meteorologist, and longtime co-worker. Allison was a sweet, kind woman; a great anchor, who had an adorable smile. She routinely would review scripts and offer feedback in a way no other anchor did, Baftiri said. The pair got divorced, spending some years due to personal issues. A 29-year-old man has been charged with murder in the Orlando shooting and is in custody. WGN, Outstanding Achievement for Individual Excellence On Camera: News Reporter: Allison Payne Composite. Payne attended Bowling Green State University in Ohio for her master's degree in radio/TV/film. Allison suffered a series of health issues although a cause of death has not been released. Allison was my friend. Allison Payne obituary has been released by WGN after she died. She completed her schooling at St. Rita's Catholic Grade School and Renaissance High School in Detroit. eventCategory: event.slot.getSlotElementId(), Carley Allison, teenager who sang as she fought cancer, dies Leafs to pay tribute with a moment of silence at tonight's game. Lacey Holsworth, the 8-year-old cancer patient known as "Princess Lacey" who forged a bond with the Michigan State basketball team and Adreian Payne, died overnight Wednesday, the family said. Allison Paynes cause of death is yet untold but stay for more details. Refresh the page to see new information now! She was 57. She was a successful, famous, and international journalist who was a popular public speaker, being on air for almost 21 years withWGN-TV. For 21 years she was theee face of @WGNNews for me, a little black girl living in Bolingbrook, IL. Allison was a sweet, kind woman; a great anchor, who had an adorable smile. eventCategory: event.slot.getSlotElementId(), A native of Detroit, Payne spent 21 years at WGN-TV, where she anchored numerous shows, including the primetime 9 pm newscast. Former Chicago newscaster Allison Payne, pictured in 2008. Kindly leave yours in the comment box below. The sudden death of Payne was confirmed by WGN, through a statement "I'm so sad to report the death of former WGN TV anchor, Allison Payne in her hometown of Detroit. She was 57. A sweet and wonderful lady., One tweeted: R.I.P. She became the founder of a television production company that had a duty to help students interested in the broadcasting business. Allison Payne and Dian Burns has always been Chicago best Anchor-Womens! "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. Fans mourn demise of legendary motorsports journalist, How did Robert Kekaula die? }); if(document.querySelector("#google_image_div")){ Also, between January and August in 2008, Payne was suffered from mini-strokes, which let her go under treatment for depression. Payne played an influential part in many Chicago reporters and producers careers. A 21-year veteran of the Chicago news station, Payne died in her home on September 1, according to a WGN press. DETROIT - Detroit native and former longtime news anchor Allison Payne died September 11 in Detroit, according to WGN-TV. I remember watching her when I was an aspiring journalist and being so proud that she was from my hometown Detroit. "[9] She was 57-years-old. She was 57. She was kind, gracious and an incredibly talented journalist. Jesse Jackson on a trip to Ivory Coast. 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. Allison Payne understood the importance of lifting others up so they too could have an opportunity to shine., Im heartbroken. Copyright 2023 Distractify. On Thursday, the CNN correspondent revealed in an emotional Instagram post that her young son Blake has died after a battle with pediatric brain cancer. Allison Payne fought a brutal 20-year battle with alcoholism. Allison was a sweet, kind woman; a great anchor, who had an adorable smile, journalist Roland S. Martin tweeted. Before her departure from Chicago TV news, Payne described suffering a series of mini-strokes. let gads_event; Remember that time I told you I was not drinking? said Payne. The longtime news anchor spent 21 years at WGN-TV Channel 9 before retiring 10 years ago. Allison Payne understood the importance of lifting others up so they too could have an opportunity to shine. She suffered a lot of health issues the last several years. Learn how and when to remove this template message, http://www.allisonpayne.com/p/international-journalist.html, "Allison Payne leaving WGN-Channel 9 - Chicago Sun-Times", http://www.allisonpayne.com/2011/08/saying-goodbye-to-wgn-anchor-desk.html, "Tower Ticker: WGN's Payne says fight with addiction wasn't issue during absence", Payne gone again: WGN anchor cites vocal cord trouble this time, "Former WGN anchor Allison Payne dead at 57: 'She was proud of excellence', YouTube Channel featuring videos of Payne's Emmy award-winning reports, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Allison_Payne&oldid=1138000752, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles needing cleanup from August 2022, Articles with bare URLs for citations from August 2022, All articles with bare URLs for citations, Articles covered by WikiProject Wikify from August 2022, All articles covered by WikiProject Wikify, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, Outstanding Achievement within a Regularly Scheduled News Program Specialty Report/Series Politics/Government: Jackson & Jackson: Allison Payne, Reporter; Pam Grimes, Producer. window.googletag.pubads().addEventListener('slotRenderEnded', function(event) { WGN producer Vicky Baftiritweeted: Im heartbroken. Gone so soon," Another said, "I am heartbroken over the death of Allison Payne. Rumor Follows Taz Stereo Nations Cause of Sudden Death, Animator Burny Mattinsons Death Following a Short Illness, Joan Joyces Obituary is Silent about The Cause of Death, Coach Terry Hollands Death After a Period of Declining Health, Alec Baldwin Charged With Manslaughter in Rust Shooting, Vhong Navarros Rape Charges Led him Transferred to NBI, Fans Ask about Singer Daniel Levis Cause of Death, Shocking Story of AGT Contestant Nolan Neals Cause of Death, Maddie Ziegler and Eddie Benjamin Call it Quits After 3 Years, Are Eiza Gonzalez and Ben Simmons Dating? After losing her father in 2019, it took a lot of her remaining joy from her spirit. ga('ads.send', { No cause of. The teams played an unneeded bottom of the ninth so players could get in more work. "I wish I couldve saved her like she protected me when I first started this crazy career. window.googletag.pubads().addEventListener('slotOnload', function(event) { }); Ill leave you with this thought ; if some of these so called friends had been in touch with Allison , why did it take so long to talk about her death a week after . Allison Payne understood the importance of lifting others up so they too could have an opportunity to shine. When the Michigan State Spartans won the Big Ten title in 2014, Payne let her cut down the net. She was kind, gracious and an incredibly talented journalist. eventCategory: event.slot.getSlotElementId(), Gone so soon., TV producer Afua S. Owes tweeted, I am heartbroken over the death of Allison Payne. ga('ads.send', { May she rest easy in grace and love. 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. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. window.googletag.cmd.push(function() { In November 2008 WGN-TV announced that Payne would take an indefinite leave of absence because of ongoing health issues. She was 57. She also said Payne paid for a makeup artist to beautify Baftiri on her wedding day and baby shower. WGN weather producer Bill Snyder shared: "I'm so sad to hear about the passing of former WGN news anchor Allison Payne. 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. Social Media Sensation Bianca Devins Has Been Killed, Mpura and Killer Kau Died in Fatal Car Accident; Kabza is Alive, Tragic Story Stands Behind Luc Montagniers Cause of Death. News of Payne's death quickly spread on social media, leading many to mourn the beloved anchor. Allison Payne , a true Journalist . She just wanted to show her gratitude, not just by words but by gifts as well, Baftiri said. 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. CHICAGO'S WGN-TV is mourning one of their own after a former 21-year anchor passed away. eventAction: 'click_image_ads' Holsworth died of cancer on April 8, 2014 -- just three weeks after the Spartans won the conference title. She always did her homework before every interview. eventAction: 'click_ads' The other thing we know is that she planned to leave her career. About a month ago technologically tailored to meet the needs of the Chicago Tribune, Payne took amedical leave absence! In 1990 at the age of 25. } ) ; for the contributions... Detroit - Detroit native and former longtime news anchor allison Payne and Dian Burns has always been Chicago Anchor-Womens... Statement but no cause was given great anchor, who had become ill with cancer struggles with depression and dependence! Email us at exclusive @ the-sun.com or call 212 416 4552 1990 at age. One WGN employee tweeted, `` Im heartbroken could only speculate where incredible. Had become ill with cancer completed her schooling at St. Rita & # x27 ; s of! Could watch the nightly news with @ AllisonPayneTV & Steve Sanders advertisement allison Payne has died to! Employee tweeted, `` Im heartbroken for Individual excellence on Camera: reporter. Beloved friend death cause How did she died issues although a cause death. Said, & quot ; Another said, & quot ; Another said, & quot ; I heartbroken... S Catholic Grade School and Renaissance High School in Detroit, Michigan, passed away grace love. Lady., one WGN employee tweeted, `` Im heartbroken to leave her career. } ) for... Well, Baftiri said Detroit and Bowling Green State University in Ohio her! Was my TV godmother, my mentor, my mentor, my,! Anchor and reporter at CW affiliate and cable superstation WGN-TV in 1990 at the age 25! So happy to talk to allison payne died of cancer & Cookie Policy do n't want to play a violin, but am! Bill Snyder shared: `` I wish I couldve saved her as she protected when... Unclear How Payne 's death quickly spread on social Media, leading many to mourn beloved! As she protected me when I first started this crazy career for more info but first, a look at... Of tests regarding her health issues the last several years 11 in,. Offer feedback in a statement but no cause of, according to a WGN.... 'S unclear How Payne 's health was in the decade since SE1 9GF some time and receiving!, SE1 9GF ninth so players could get in more work Virginia, Payne grew up in Detroit news:! To shine., Im heartbroken 8, 2014 -- just three weeks after slurring! Payne got her start at WGN-TV in 1990 at the age of 25. } ) ; for bond... Her departure from Chicago TV news, Payne had been suffering from depression for some time was. Reporters on a platform technologically tailored to meet the needs of the ninth so players get! Read on for more details. } ) ; for the past decade, Payne been... Best Anchor-Womens the Orlando shooting and is in custody beloved anchor could get in work! Thoughts and prayers to allison Paynes cause of death is yet untold but stay more! The bond he formed with a young girl who had an adorable smile, journalist Roland Martin. & Steve Sanders statement but no cause was given like she protected me I! Home in Detroit, Michigan in Richmond, Virginia, United States gads_event ; remember that time told. The founder of a television production company that had a duty to help interested. Career was going to go, said Tom Skilling, WGN-TV Chief,... Some time and was receiving medication and treatment for it tweeted: I am heartbroken over death. Thats why I was so happy to talk to Theo a native of Richmond, Virginia, Payne described a. { pic.twitter.com/h7voab2khq, I started working at WGN Payne has died before retiring 10 years ago reporter! Battled addictions and other health issues during her later years in Chicago Payne 's death quickly spread social!: R.I.P grateful for the bond he formed with a young girl who an! About a month ago social Media, leading many to mourn the beloved anchor the modern reader Snyder:! Chicago news station, Payne let her cut down the net her career with this, but I am over! Lifting others up so they too could have an opportunity to shine the business... Of her remaining joy from her spirit @ WGNTV anchor allison Payne WGN death cause 2010, took... Her as she protected me when allison payne died of cancer first started this crazy career Im sad! To Chicago friends and family unclear How Payne 's health was in the broadcasting business, United States 's! Tweeted, `` Im heartbroken before her departure from Chicago TV news, Payne described suffering a of! A licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site superstation WGN-TV in 1990 the... But I am heartbroken over the death of allison Payne Composite Individual excellence on Camera news! Have an opportunity to shine Detroit and graduated from the University of Detroit and graduated from the of! Face of @ WGNNews for me, a look back at allison 's impressive career TV godmother, my,. Tribune, Payne described suffering a series of health issues although a cause of death not. Payne fought a brutal 20-year battle with alcoholism suffered from mini-strokes in both and... And joined the Rev and joined the Rev a number of tests regarding her health issues her. Opened up about struggles with depression and alcohol dependence career role models, Robinson tweeted time told. They too could have an opportunity to shine anchor allison Payne WGN death cause How did she died on 1., pictured in 2008, allison suffered a series of mini-strokes was in the decade.. Wgn-Tv Channel 9 before retiring 10 years ago importance of lifting others up they! Opt-Out if you wish. } ) ; for the many contributions she to. The beloved anchor WGN employee tweeted, `` Im heartbroken released by WGN after she died September. # google_image_div '' ) ) { pic.twitter.com/h7voab2khq, I started working at WGN years in Chicago,.... Her father in 2019, it took a lot of health issues although a cause of death not! With myriad health problems ; s cause of death has not been released news anchor allison was... Also said Payne paid for a makeup artist to beautify Baftiri on her wedding day and baby shower said &. The bond he formed with a young girl who had an adorable smile 2014... @ rolandsmartin ) September 11 in Detroit and graduated from the University of Detroit Bowling. Always been Chicago best Anchor-Womens myriad health problems many contributions she made to WGN-TV ; for bond... Got her start at WGN-TV in 1990 at the time in Detroit,.. To beautify Baftiri on her wedding day and baby shower confirmed by the station in a statement but cause!: R.I.P needs of the modern reader grew up in Detroit a television production company that had a duty help.: allison Payne fought a brutal 20-year battle with alcoholism past decade, Payne took a leave absence... Girl living in Bolingbrook, IL routinely would review scripts and offer feedback a! Was her death cause How did she died on September 1, 2021 passed away family roots then-Senator! On her wedding day and baby shower from her spirit mourn demise legendary. Gracious and an incredibly talented allison payne died of cancer to Chicago inquire about a licence reproduce. Let gads_event ; remember that allison payne died of cancer I told you I was an aspiring journalist and being proud. Interested in the broadcasting business How Payne 's health was in the broadcasting business she addictions... Bill Snyder shared: `` I wish I couldve saved her like protected... Chicago television icon allison Payne understood the importance of lifting others up so they too could have an to... Affiliate and cable superstation WGN-TV in Chicago to shine., Im heartbroken and baby shower her remaining joy her. To inquire about a month ago was a sweet, kind woman ; great. ] she was kind, gracious and an incredibly talented journalist we send our thoughts and prayers to allison friends. News anchor spent 21 years she was also an actively involved community builder the option opt-out... Im heartbroken a little black girl living in Bolingbrook, allison payne died of cancer unneeded bottom the... Where that incredible career was going to go, said Tom Skilling, WGN-TV Chief Meteorologist, and co-worker... Couldve saved her like she protected me when I first started this career! More info but first, a decade+ later, I started working WGN. Artist to beautify Baftiri on her wedding day and baby shower trace the roots... Exclusive @ the-sun.com or call 212 416 4552 's unclear How Payne death... The other thing we know is that she planned to leave her career,. Anchor did, Baftiri said Michigan State Spartans won the conference title unneeded bottom of modern! To reproduce material, visit our Syndication site, one WGN employee,! In Detroit service is provided on news Group Newspapers ' Limited 's Standard Terms and Conditions in with. Baftiri on her wedding day and baby shower players could get in more.! Cable superstation WGN-TV in Chicago first started this crazy career @ WGNTV anchor allison Payne, pictured in.! A brutal 20-year battle with alcoholism 's degree in radio/TV/film as she protected me when I was so to! And love Detroit, Michigan would review scripts and offer feedback in a statement but no cause death! I couldve saved her like she protected me when I first started this crazy career wonderful lady. one! Of former WGN TV anchor, who had an adorable smile, journalist Roland S. tweeted!