Meghan McCain mourns Fox News ‘rising star’ who suddenly died from swine flu at 26

Ben Domenech and wife Meghan McCain mourn Fox News commentator Bre Payton who suddenly dies at the young age of 26.

Following the tragedy that struck in December after the announcement that fast-rising star Bre Payton, was dead; her boss Ben Domenech and wife Meghan McCain are mourning her sudden and unexpected demise. The tragic loss happened just a few days after Meghan was mocked on social media for mourning her late father, Senator McCain.

The Fox News commentator was said to have died from swine flu, an H1N1 virus.

“We had the good fortune to know her as a close friend, beloved by all who knew her personally. We miss Bre very much, and our prayers are with her family at this time.” - The couple told PEOPLE.

Domenech, the founder, and publisher of The Federalist, and wife made it known that they had a series of activities planned out to honor Bre.

Based on reports gathered from a scholarship fundraiser set up for Payton by her family, memorial services are scheduled to span across January. A family funeral first in Chino, California; later gatherings in Washington, D.C., and also at her alma mater, Patrick Henry College in Virginia.

Ryan Colby, Payton’s boyfriend, and Domenech are set to give speeches during the memorial service.

In an exclusive interview with Inside Edition, Payton’s family disclosed that the exact details of her death from the H1N1 virus, popularly known as the swine flu, remain fuzzy. Bre had looked OK while spending time with loved ones in December; then she got sick and then dead.

According to her family, Payton grew nauseous the night after Christmas; and was found unresponsive in the bedroom the following morning. She never woke up and unfortunately died the next day.

“Something occurred over those 12 hours, between 9:30 at night and 9 o’clock in the morning. It didn’t seem like she was that sick. The doctor doesn’t actually know what caused all of it, and we may never know.” - Bre’s dad, George Payton

McCain remembered Payton as an “incredible writer” and a “wonderful, effervescent, cool, interesting, provocative woman, who never stuck to her talking points.” She said this when sharing her grief to the media with co-host Abby Huntsman.

It's no surprise Bre Payton is still adored even after her death, for she was a very brilliant, intelligent and hardworking woman whose quest for greatness is nothing short of amazing.

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