The passing of news anchor Jon Burnett has left a shroud of mystery surrounding the circumstances. The 71-year-old CBS Pittsburgh weather forecaster, known for his work at KDKA-TV, passed away due to complications from CTE (chronic traumatic encephalopathy), as stated by Dr. Joseph Malone, a Cognitive Neurologist at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, according to CBS News.
Jon Burnett was a beloved figure at KDKA-TV, with the station confirming his death on February 20th. A post on Instagram by the station described him as authentic, original, talented, and compassionate, leaving behind a remarkable legacy.
Retiring in 2019, Jon Burnett later struggled with neurological issues, including memory loss and a suspected diagnosis of CTE. CTE is a rare degenerative brain condition often linked to repeated head injuries, such as concussions. This condition has been predominantly identified in athletes involved in contact sports, military personnel, and victims of physical abuse, even though not everyone who experiences repeated head trauma develops CTE.
Before his broadcasting career, Burnett played as a defensive end for the University of Tennessee football team, graduating in 1976. He spoke about enduring two major concussions during his athletic career in an interview with KDKA-TV in February 2024. Burnett also mentioned his participation in a study conducted by the National Sports Brain Bank at the University of Pittsburgh, agreeing to posthumously donate his brain to contribute to research and treatment of brain disorders and CTE.
Reflecting on his decision, Burnett expressed a desire to help individuals on a similar journey, emphasizing the importance of advancing research in this field. He recalled the numerous collisions he faced throughout his sports career, often engaging in around 30-40 hits per game.
After his time in football, Burnett relocated to Pittsburgh in 1982 and began hosting KDKA’s Evening Magazine alongside colleagues such as Liz Miles and Mary Robb Jackson. Describing Burnett as a natural talent, Jackson noted the genuine connection he had with viewers. His impact was evident, as reflected by the sentiments of those who worked closely with him.
Transitioning to Pittsburgh 2Day and later becoming a meteorologist for the station in the 1990s, Burnett maintained a significant presence in the Pittsburgh media landscape for nearly three decades. His colleagues and co-hosts, such as Patrice King Brown, spoke fondly of their time working with him, emphasizing the lasting impression he made both on and off-screen.
Jon Burnett is survived by his wife, Debbie, and their adult children, Samantha and Eric. His legacy lives on through his impactful career and dedication to furthering research into brain disorders like CTE.
