Today Federalist Staff Writer Bre Payton passed away of a sudden illness at age 26. As her family and friends prepare for a funeral in her home state of California and a memorial service in Washington D.C., friends and colleagues sent prayers, love, and memories across Twitter.
We share some here in her memory, to grieve her death, and to celebrate her life, which she believed is eternal and so do many who love her: “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).
https://twitter.com/robbysoave/status/1078780280926818309
Bre Payton passed away from a sudden illness. Bre is one of the kindest, most thoughtful souls I've ever encountered. She made a positive impact on every person she met, her smile, her love of LIFE, God, & passion for news was contagious. SHE WILL be missed! Pray for her family. pic.twitter.com/fPjifm65QS
— Stephanie Hamill (@STEPHMHAMILL) December 28, 2018
https://twitter.com/seanmdav/status/1078755548412215296
My podcast co-host. My Problematic Woman in crime. My birthday twin. My very dear friend. At just 26, @Bre_payton was youger than me, but felt more like my big sister. I am in complete shock that we lost this beautiful soul, and am comforted only by the faith she had in the Lord. pic.twitter.com/8rUNejejdu
— Kelsey Bolar (Harkness) (@kelseybolar) December 28, 2018
https://twitter.com/heminator/status/1078741214894145536?s=21
Most people don't realize how small the staff of @FDRLST really is. We are about the size of a large nuclear family (and often feel like one). Losing Bre Payton is simply devastating. She was not just a smart and incisive reporter, but also a sweet, kind person. RIP.
— John Daniel Davidson (@johnddavidson) December 28, 2018
https://twitter.com/HansFiene/status/1078753121025908736?s=19
Ben and I are absolutely gutted and horrified by this news. Our prayers for @Bre_payton and her family. We are less without her – in every possible way. A wonderful, fearless, vibrant, intelligent young woman. Sending prayers to all of her family and friends during this darkness. https://t.co/K5nfRiB7gy
— Meghan McCain (@MeghanMcCain) December 28, 2018
I don't even remember which article it was. I just remember she thought it was worth taking the time to let me know I did something cool.
— Georgi Boorman (@georgi_boorman) December 28, 2018
https://twitter.com/kathrynw5/status/1078737422991581184
So sad to hear that @Bre_payton has suddenly passed. We took this photo after a @KMCRadio hit. She walked into the studio so confident and warm, I remember thinking I wanted to be more like her. Please pray for her family. pic.twitter.com/QYEUqzXBAk
— Mandy Mayfield (@mandypmayfield) December 28, 2018
https://twitter.com/ShannonBream/status/1078737221241454592
Our deepest condolences to the family of @Bre_payton.
Re-reading this fantastic peace in her honor. Rest in peace. ❤️ https://t.co/2CErOJx0FA
— March for Life (@March_for_Life) December 28, 2018
This is terribly sad. So young, talented and full of life and promise, her life suddenly snuffed out. https://t.co/L9jLZ8Hzza
— Brit Hume (@brithume) December 28, 2018
@Bre_payton’s last article at @FDRLST: https://t.co/UjH6gvTj8z
— Ashe Short (@AsheSchow) December 28, 2018
I’m heartbroken to hear of the passing of my friend @Bre_payton today. Exactly a year ago, she taught college students about journalism on a trip to Israel. Here’s a photo of her teaching at the Church of the Annunciation in Nazareth. May you rest in the arms of your Creator, Bre pic.twitter.com/jut78NqLnn
— Nicole Foy (@nicoleMfoy) December 28, 2018
Bre Payton was the kind of gal who, when grabbing a drink in Manhattan after a nighttime TV hit, would tell sweet stories about her loving parents. She was only just beginning.
— Matt Welch (@MattWelch) December 28, 2018
https://twitter.com/JackPosobiec/status/1078742827725742085
I am so, so very sorry for you, for all who knew her, & for the world. Bre was interesting, sassy, unafraid to swim against the stream & I am stunned. I will miss her. I know well how little my words change anything, but I pray for comfort & strength & peace.
— Mary Katharine Ham (@mkhammer) December 28, 2018
I usually feel like Twitter RIPs are the worst but I want everyone to know @Bre_payton refused to let me go uncelebrated on my bday a few years ago. I hardly knew her at the time & yet she embraced me like a little sis to a big sis. She deserves our post humous love. I’m gutted.
— Reality Czar Rikki (@rikkiratliff) December 28, 2018
I know that Bre Payton is in Heaven.
So I am not sad for her.
I am sad for the rest of us – who lost a truly beautiful soul in a place with far too few.
She will be dearly, painfully missed.
Pray for her family, please.
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) December 28, 2018
Sudden loss of Bre Payton is such a shock. You never know how much time on this Earth any of us have. Hold on to the people around you and don't wait to live. My heart & prayers go out to her family, friends & colleagues @FDRLST
RIP.
— Dan McLaughlin (@baseballcrank) December 28, 2018
