Jon Burnett, one of Pittsburgh beloved on-air personalities has died. Marty Griffin announced his passing on KDKA Radio Thursday afternoon.
He was 71.
Jon Burnett shares his struggle with CTE
During his 36 years at KDKA-TV, Jon Burnett co-hosted Evening Magazine, Pittsburgh Today, and anchored the weather desk.
Burnett was always known for his adventurous and spontaneous spirit, willing to try anything like rappelling down a high rise, driving a jeep over boulders or racing on Big Wheels.
Burnett retired in 2019 and faced some major health challenges.
Most notably, Burnett suffered from suspected CTE, or chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a progressive brain disease. In an interview on The Big K Morning Show with KDKA-TV’s Kristine Sorensen Burnett talked about his struggles saying he felt multiple emotions as his health deteriorated but was thankful for his wife.
“Pissed off part of the time,” said Burnett. “Happy to still be here part of the time and blessed all of the time, and that is due primarily due to this beautiful lady right here beside me. Debbie, she’s keeping my head above water.”
He said the disease was caused by repetitive blows to the head while playing football.
LIVE: Remembering Jon Burnett
Burnett and his family wanted to share their story to help everyone better understand CTE, and to remove the stigma surrounding the disease, adding to Burnett's legacy of giving back to the Pittsburgh community.
Burnett is survived by his wife Debbie, daughter Samantha, and son Eric and 5 grandchildren.
Burnett was close friends with former K-Team host John Cigna and has maintained a friendship with much of our staff including Larry Richert, Marty Griffin, Timira Rush and more.
We would like to express our deepest sympathy to Burnett’s family and friends.