What Happened Merri Dee?

In 1971, Dee and a guest on her show were kidnapped while sitting in her vehicle outside WSNS-TV studios.

Dee was made to head to a far-off area and both she and her guest, novice mystic Alan Sandler, were both shot toward the rear of the head. Sandler was killed in the assault and Dee almost died.

Is Merri Dee Still Alive?

The former television journalist, Merri Dee has died. She is reported to have died on March 16, 2022, at the age of 85.

WGN-TV released the following statement on her death.

“Chicago’s Very Own, Merri Dee, was a one-of-a-kind legend. From WGN staff announcer to hosting parade telecasts, telethons and even the Illinois Lottery drawings, she was synonymous with WGN-TV. She was groundbreaking in the broadcasting field and an inspiration to several generations of young women. Among her greatest legacies as Director of Community Relations, she spoke at thousands of events and helped raise over $30 million dollars for WGN-TV Children’s Charities, benefitting various organizations throughout Chicagoland. Merri Dee was a pioneer who will be greatly missed.”