Beloved News Anchor Jon Burnett Passes Away at 71 Due to CTE Complications – Doctor Reveals
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Jon-Burnett-022025-f6914c97320b421e9c4c9efc5ebdd536.jpg)
Renowned news anchor, Jon Burnett, has tragically passed away at the age of 71 as a result of complications from CTE (chronic traumatic encephalopathy), as confirmed by Dr. Joseph Malone, a Cognitive Neurologist at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Burnett, known for his work as a weather forecaster at CBS Pittsburgh, had a long and distinguished career in the broadcasting industry, starting back in 1982. His death was confirmed by KDKA-TV, the Pittsburgh station where he worked for many years, in a heartfelt tribute on Thursday, February 20th.
Described as “authentic, original, talented and compassionate,” Jon Burnett leaves behind a profound legacy in the world of journalism. His retirement in 2019 was followed by a series of neurological issues, including memory loss and a suspected diagnosis of CTE. Chronic traumatic encephalopathy is a rare degenerative brain condition commonly associated with repetitive head injuries, such as concussions. While prevalent among athletes in contact sports, military personnel, and abuse victims, not everyone who experiences head trauma develops CTE.
Before his successful broadcasting career, Burnett was a defensive end for the University of Tennessee football team, graduating in 1976. During an interview in February 2024, he disclosed his participation in a study at the National Sports Brain Bank, pledging to donate his brain posthumously to support research on brain disorders and CTE. His altruistic gesture aimed to aid others who might be on a similar path of neurological challenges in the future.
Following his football days, Burnett transitioned to television in 1982, hosting KDKA’s Evening Magazine alongside notable co-hosts like Liz Miles and Mary Robb Jackson. Colleagues and friends remember him fondly, with Mary Robb Jackson emphasizing the sincerity that radiated from Burnett through the screen. Over the years, Burnett’s career evolved, leading to roles as a meteorologist and host of various shows, including Pittsburgh 2Day.
His impact on the Pittsburgh community extended beyond his professional endeavors, forging deep connections with his audience and colleagues. Patrice King Brown, his Pittsburgh 2Day co-anchor, expressed enduring affection, labelling Burnett as her “TV brother.” Former KDKA meteorologist Dennis Bowman echoed these sentiments, highlighting Burnett’s natural charm and presence that endeared him to viewers.
Jon Burnett’s passing has left a void in the journalism world, with tributes pouring in from friends, fans, and industry peers. Remembered for his warmth, professionalism, and dedication to his craft, Burnett’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations in the field of broadcast journalism. He is survived by his wife, Debbie, and their adult children, Samantha and Eric, who mourn the loss of a beloved husband and father.
In remembrance of Jon Burnett, his contributions to broadcast journalism will forever be cherished, his impact enduring through the lives he touched and the stories he shared. May his memory live on as a beacon of integrity and excellence in the industry.