Don Shane, former Channel 7 (WXYZ TV) sports broadcaster, died on Friday, February 24, 2023, aged 70, at his home in California. His wife, Mona, confirmed the news Saturday, along with Diana Lewis, another veteran news anchor at WXYZ, to remember and honor the late sports journalist. Shane began his career of more than three decades as a reporter for Channel 4 in Detroit in the early 1980s. After brief stops in Chicago and Boston, he joined Channel 7 in 1989 and quickly established himself as a leading sports reporter, covering many historical sports events.
He quit his job at the age of 60 in February 2012 to spend more time with his family. He said as he left WXYZ TV:
“I was very lucky. The things I saw and did far exceeded my expectations.”
He died with his wife Mona and their children Justin and Lindsay.
“The spirit of that WXYZ TV Detroit sports section is completely gone,” netizen said of Don Shane’s death.
Everyone was shocked to hear that Channel 7 sports journalist died. They took to social media to share their grief and mourn his death. They describe him as a talented, wonderful and unique person. Twitterati hailed Shane as “the greatest in the industry” for his efforts over the years.
James Honeycutt, @jamesxxcc, one user posted an artwork in his honor with the message:
“An artistic tribute to one of the best sports broadcasters in Detroit! Don Shane @wyzdetroit, rest in peace.”
Many of Shane’s former colleagues and peers attended the famous sports expert’s memorial service. Those who had the opportunity to come in contact with him said that he was a great guide and thanked him for the teachings he taught them. Here are some social reactions to Don Shane’s death:
We lost Don Shane today. Incredibly sad. 70. Donny worked at Channel 4 and 7 Detroit; long time at WXYZ until retirement 2012. Also in Boston/Chicago. I spent a lot of time on the road with Donny. I’ll just use HIS old saying on the air, “Why can’t WE… get people like that!” pic.twitter.com/SH8ZynmMzp
– Parker and TheMan (@parkerandtheman) February 25, 2023
Rest in peace Don Shane. I absolutely love working with you. We will never forget our week in Chicago against the Bears and the Patriots. We laughed a lot in #WBZ sports office in the great 80s. pic.twitter.com/8i1YgfHyYm
– Chef Alice (@alicemcook) February 25, 2023
After his retirement, Don Shane moved to Arizona to spend time with his family and spent the last years of his life in California.
WXZY expressed sincere gratitude to the former host on its website, reiterating his tenure and working with him. Professional athletes and coaches describe him as hardworking and well-respected. They emphasized his helpful personality and clear intellect, saying:
“He has advocated for worthy causes and mentored numerous student volunteers in the sports field over the years, many of whom have gone on to pursue their career goals in the industry.”
Don Shane’s family has yet to reveal the cause of his death. It is rumored that he fell ill for some time after his retirement, but the nature of his illness is still unknown. Some unverified reports say that athletes have Parkinson’s disease and confusion as children. He is survived by his wife Mona, to whom he has been married for 38 years, and two daughters and grandchildren.
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