The Pittsburgh broadcasting community is mourning the loss of Jon Burnett, the beloved KDKA-TV weather forecaster and talk show host, who has died at the age of 71. Burnett passed away on February 19, 2024, after suffering complications from suspected Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE). This progressive brain disease, often associated with athletes who endure repeated head injuries, cast a shadow over Burnett's remarkable career, which spanned over three decades.
According to his obituary from KDKA-TV, Dr. Joseph Malone, a neurologist at UPMC, confirmed Burnett's cause of death, which the station announced with heartfelt tributes to his longstanding legacy. “KDKA-TV is sad to report Jon died of complications from suspected CTE,” the obituary read. “He leaves behind an incredible legacy.”
Burnett's connection to television began when he co-hosted the lifestyle talk show Evening Magazine starting in 1982. His co-host Liz Miles reflected on their adventures, saying, “We traveled around the world together. Jon used to say we take people around the world and around the corner.” This spirited approach translated beautifully to the screen, making him one of the most recognized faces at KDKA-TV.
By 1985, Burnett transitioned to co-hosting Pittsburgh 2Day, where his natural warmth and engaging personality continued to resonate with viewers. Patrice King Brown, one of his co-hosts, remembered him fondly, stating, “It was just like having your brother right there,” highlighting the camaraderie and fun he brought to the show. His charisma was not only captivating; it made him relatable, as Dennis Bowman, former KDKA meteorologist, pointed out, “When you saw Jon on TV, you would immediately say, ‘That's a guy I wouldn’t mind having in my living room live and in person.’”
After both shows ended, Burnett returned to his roots as a meteorologist in the early 1990s. He remained with the KDKA weather team for nearly three decades, solidifying his role as Pittsburgh's trusted weather forecaster. Burnett retired from journalism in 2019 but not without facing numerous health challenges, primarily related to neurological problems and memory loss.
Burnett's career took a more serious turn when he was diagnosed with suspected CTE, which he openly discussed during his final years. “My disease is so obvious, I couldn’t hide it anymore. I could not broadcast it to the world,” he remarked, illustrating his struggles and determination to raise awareness about neurological illnesses. His history as a football player at the University of Tennessee, where he suffered multiple concussions, played a significant role in his eventual diagnosis.
Notably, Burnett chose to participate actively with the National Sports Brain Bank at the University of Pittsburgh, aiming to contribute to research on CTE. He expressed his desires to help others similarly affected, saying, “If I can help anybody on this road, who is on this road or will be on this road in the years ahead, I feel...better about being able to do so.” By agreeing to donate his brain for research, he hoped to shed light on the silent struggles faced by many athletes.
Colleagues at KDKA-TV and viewers alike are reminiscing about the joy Burnett brought to their lives. His ability to connect with audiences made him not just a weather forcaster but also part of their everyday lives. “You never know what’s gonna happen in life and Jon lived it to the fullest,” former colleagues noted, reflecting the sadness surrounding his death.
Burnett’s legacy is not merely tied to his role as KDKA-TV's weatherman or talk host; it extends to the awareness his struggles have raised about CTE and the importance of addressing health issues associated with contact sports. His colorful personality, authentic presence, and commitment to his work will remain ingrained within Pittsburgh’s community and broadcasting history.
Survived by his wife Debbie and two children, Samantha and Eric, Jon Burnett leaves behind not only his significant contributions to local television but also powerful life lessons about resilience and the importance of mental health awareness.