Bre Payton, a Fox News commentator and staff writer for The Federalist, has died following a sudden illness.
The 26-year-old was found unresponsive and "barely breathing" Thursday morning in her San Diego home, according to CaringBridge.org. GOP congressional candidate Morgan Murtaugh tweeted she had called 911 after discovering Payton. She later confirmed that her good friend had died on Friday.
Doctors performed several tests on Payton after she was admitted to the ICU. They later diagnosed her with the H1N1 flu and meningitis.
"Her condition worsened and worsened," the Caring Bridge entry read. "She fought her illness with strength but, passed on December 28th, 2018."
Following news of Payton's death, a number of political and media figures expressed their condolences. Meghan McCain, the daughter of late U.S. Sen. John McCain, wrote she was "gutted and horrified by the news."
Fox News also paid tribute to Payton during The Five program.
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Payton is survived by her four siblings and parents.
