Chicago broadcast TV legend Merri Dee, who survived kidnapping, shooting in 1971, dead at 85

The native tv star labored on-air for WGN-TV within the 70s and 80s and later served because the station’s director of group relations.

In 1971, Dee and a visitor on her present had been kidnapped whereas sitting in her automobile outdoors WSNS-TV studios. Dee was made to drive to a distant location and each she and her visitor, novice psychic Alan Sandler, had been each shot at the back of the pinnacle. Sandler was killed within the assault and Dee practically died. Samuel Drew was later convicted within the assault.

Her near-death expertise impressed her to turn out to be a powerful voice and advocate for victims of gun violence.

In line with her web site bio, Dee lobbied state and metropolis politicians and assisted within the passage of Illinois’ first Victims Invoice of Rights regulation, laws that has served as a mannequin for different states.

She went on to turn out to be an creator and a motivational speaker.

Her household says she handed away peacefully in her sleep in a single day.

Her web site, merridee.com, might be up to date with

Household assertion:
With nice disappointment,our household publicizes the lack of our beloved matriarch,
the brightest gentle in our lives, Merri Dee, who died peacefully in her sleep at dwelling. As you possibly can think about our household is solely heartbroken and ask for privateness at the moment.

Assertion from WGN-TV

Chicago’s Very Personal, Merri Dee, was a one-of-a-kind legend. From WGN employees announcer to internet hosting parade telecasts, telethons and even the Illinois Lottery drawings, she was synonymous with WGN-TV. She was groundbreaking within the broadcasting subject and an inspiration to a number of generations of younger ladies. Amongst her biggest legacies as Director of Group Relations, she spoke at hundreds of occasions and helped increase over $30 million {dollars} for WGN-TV Youngsters’s Charities, benefitting numerous organizations all through Chicagoland. Merri Dee was a pioneer who might be enormously missed.

Assertion from Mayor Lori Lightfoot:
Amy and I are deeply saddened to study of Merri Dee’s passing.
Mrs. Dee was a homegrown, broadcasting legend whose time as an anchor and radio and speak present host made her a beloved, native celeb. Along with her tv and radio work, she additionally made a huge effect on communities throughout our metropolis and state by way of plenty of philanthropic pursuits that mirrored her ardour for safeguarding susceptible people comparable to youngsters in want of adoptive houses. Mrs. Dee has actually made a optimistic and indelible mark on our metropolis and impressed numerous others to observe in her footsteps. We provide our deepest condolences to her family members throughout this troublesome time.