Honolulu Star-Advertiser

Saturday, December 14, 2024 75° Today's Paper


Top News

Federalist writer, Fox News guest Bre Payton dies at 26

1/2
Swipe or click to see more
Video courtesy FOX News
Bre Payton died after a friend says she was admitted to the hospital with swine flu and possible meningitis.
2/2
Swipe or click to see more

COURTESY BRE PAYTON FACEBOOK PAGE

Bre Payton, a writer for the conservative news site The Federalist and a frequent guest on the Fox News Channel and other media outlets, has died suddenly at the age of 26.

SAN DIEGO >> Bre Payton, a writer for the conservative news site The Federalist and a frequent guest on the Fox News Channel and other media outlets, died suddenly today at the age of 26.

The Federalist and a friend, Morgan Murtaugh, confirmed Payton’s death in San Diego.

Murtaugh tweeted that she found her friend unconscious on Thursday morning and doctors determined Payton had H1N1 flu — also known as swine flu — and meningitis.

In recent appearances on Fox News, Payton had condemned what she called “fake news” media coverage of President Donald Trump and “sexist and bigoted” coverage of first lady Melania Trump.

An obituary in The Federalist called Payton “joyful, hard-working, and compassionate.” It said she had a deep Christian faith.

In a tweet, Meghan McCain, daughter of late Sen. John McCain, called Payton “a wonderful, fearless, vibrant, intelligent young woman.”

The Federalist said Payton received a journalism degree in 2015 from Patrick Henry College in Virginia and joined The Federalist that April. She later appeared as a guest commentator on the Fox News Channel and One America News Network.

Payton was survived by her parents, George and Cindy; siblings James, Jack, Christina and Cheekie; and boyfriend Ryan Colby, according to The Federalist.

By participating in online discussions you acknowledge that you have agreed to the Terms of Service. An insightful discussion of ideas and viewpoints is encouraged, but comments must be civil and in good taste, with no personal attacks. If your comments are inappropriate, you may be banned from posting. Report comments if you believe they do not follow our guidelines. Having trouble with comments? Learn more here.