Allison Payne: Ex-WGN host cause of death explored

WGN-TV is mourning the death of Allison Payne, a longtime former news anchor who died at the age of 57. Let’s take a look at her cause of death.

Payne was a 21-year WGN-TV veteran who was hired in 1990 as a 25-year-old from Saginaw, Michigan. She went on to cover a variety of important stories around the world, including tracing former President Barack Obama’s ancestors in Kenya and traveling to the Ivory Coast with Rev. Jesse Jackson.

Payne was a Detroit native who moved to Chicago for many years, where he became involved in the community by mentoring students and eventually establishing a foundation for students interested in pursuing careers in journalism.

Payne and WGN parted ways in September 2011 when she returned to her hometown of Detroit due to a series of unfortunate health events.

Payne died on September 1st, at the age of 57, in Detroit. She made a significant contribution to WGN history.

Allison Payne Cause Of Death

 Allison’s cause of death has not been made known to the public yet.

The 57-year old WGN-TV veteran has been having several health issues before she kicked the bucket.

Payne was placed on medical leave in January and August of 2008 after suffering a series of mini-strokes. MEAWW reported.

This resulted in her announcing an indefinite leave of absence in November 2008 and admitting to being treated for depression in January 2009. “It was brutal getting out of the house, I couldn’t get out of bed,” she said in an interview.

Payne returned in 2009 but left the show in January 2011.

She confirmed a few weeks later that it was because “I’m having trouble with my vocal cords.” 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. 

Allison Payne confirmed a few weeks later that it was due to “issues with my vocal cords.” A string of unprofessional on-air appearances, including slurred words, glassy-eyed gazes, and sobbing, prompted the channel to demote her from the 5:30 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. newscasts. MEAWW reported.

Payne never revealed what was wrong with her, but after several failed attempts to return, she decided to call it quits in September 2011. “Payne and WGN parted ways in September 2011 as she returned to her hometown of Detroit due to a series of unfortunate health events,” WGN said in a statement.

Allison Payne, R.I.P. Queen & Chicago Legend
(12 February 1964 – 1 September 2021)