R.I.P.: Allison Payne, Longtime WGN-TV9 News Anchor

 

Allison Payne

Allison Payne, the longtime TV news reporter anchor for Chicago’s WGN, died on September 1 at age 57, reports WGN-TV9.

The Detroit native joined WGN in 1990 at the age of 25, and established herself quickly on major stories. During her 21 years at WGN, she won nine Emmys and co-anchored both the station’s primetime newscast as well as the midday news show.

She also suffered a series of health issues over the years, taking a medical leave of absence in 2008 after a series of mini-strokes as well as bouts of depression. “It was brutal getting out of the house, I couldn’t get out of bed,” Payne told the Chicago Tribune.

Payne parted ways with WGN in September 2011 to return to Detroit, reports The Wrap.

Tributes quickly poured in for Payne. “Allison was a sweet, kind woman; a great anchor, who had an adorable smile. She suffered a lot of health issues the last several years,” Roland S. Martin wrote. “Gone so soon.”