Don Shane Obituary: Final Goodbye to Sports Director

Posted by Martina Birk on Friday, May 3, 2024

Don Shane, the former longtime sports director at WXYZ-TV has died at the age of 70. His death deeply affected his family and loved ones. Our condolences are with his family and friends. In this post, you will get all the details related to him.

Don Shane Obituary: An Enduring Tribute  to Sports Director

Former Channel 7 (WXYZ TV) sportscaster Don Shane passed away on Friday, February 24, 2023 at his home in California. His cause of death has not been disclosed yet.

Many of Shane’s former coworkers and fans paid tribute to the iconic sports commentator noting that he was a fantastic mentor and that they were grateful for the lessons he had taught them. Brad Galli tweeted, “We are mourning the loss of longtime sports director Don Shane, who has died at the age of 70.”

We are mourning the loss of longtime @WXYZDetroit sports director Don Shane, who has died at the age of 70.

Tonight on 7 Action News at 6, 7, 10, and 11, we’re remembering and celebrating a local TV sports legend with comments from his colleagues, athletes he covered, and more. pic.twitter.com/fTgykyCk6K

— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) February 25, 2023

One user tweeted, “Don Shane, the former longtime sports director at WXYZ-TV has died.”

😔Don Shane, the former longtime sports director at WXYZ-TV (Channel 7), has died at the age of 70, the station reported on Saturday morning. https://t.co/RoooFxpEEi

— Nakerbocker Please (@towenz) February 25, 2023

Another user wrote, “Very sad news Don Shane the former sports anchor and sports director of Channel 7 has passed away,”

Very sad news Don Shane the former sports anchor, and sports director, of Channel 7 has passed away, 😢 thoughts and prayers 🙏 for his family and friends he really was sports in Detroit.

— Anthony John Bonk (@AnthonyBonk4) February 25, 2023

Ben Macioce wrote, “Sad to learn former Sports Director Don Shane has died.”

Sad to learn former @Local4News sportscaster and @wxyzdetroit Sports Director Don Shane has died at the age of 70. I meet Don during my internship at WXYZ in 2012. Don was great at what he did and will be missed by many. This is from Don’s retirement party in March 2012. pic.twitter.com/5dhrAe1uha

— Ben Macioce (@BenMace) February 26, 2023

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Shane’s Journey in the Media Spotlight: From Detroit to Stardom

After brief stays in Chicago and Boston, Shane returned to Detroit in 1989 to take the top sports anchor position at Channel 7 after beginning his career in Detroit at Channel 4 in the early 1980s.

He became a star in the very competitive media business because of his on-air connection with TV veteran Bill Bonds and his vivacious attitude.

Shane covered practically every significant sporting event in Michigan for 23 years including the NBA Finals, Stanley Cup Final, Rose Bowls, Final Fours, World Series and even top boxing events with local fighters.

In addition, he co-hosted “Big Ten Ticket” a college football pregame program with Bo Schembechler, a former Michigan football coach.

Shane made a name for himself in the 1990s with his “Dare Don” segments and episodes in which he would respond to challenges sent by fans such as taking a hit from Chris Spielman while wearing full football pads or donning a Bonds-like toupee for a sportscast.

He is the husband of Mona and the father of two children Justin and Lindsay. He became a grandfather in May 2022. We hope that his family will live a safe and healthy life. You can also share your condolences towards his family in the comments section below.

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