Tributes pour in for journalist Bre Payton, dead at 26

“I cannot believe this,” tweeted Fox News host Shannon Bream. “ @Bre_payton was such a beautiful light, smart and funny and kind and talented. Please pray for her broken hearted loved ones, who are undoubtedly reeling. She was far too young.”

Meghan McCain, daughter of the late Sen. John McCain and husband of the Federalist’s publisher, Ben Domenech, also expressed her devastation.

“Ben and I are absolutely gutted and horrified by this news,” McCain wrote. “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.”

Fox Commentator Lisa Kennedy called Payton a “great writer and wonderful human.” She said: “Absolutely devastated to hear @Bre_payton has passed. Such a sweet, beautiful soul.”

Payton was taken to a hospital early Thursday morning in San Diego after a friend found her unresponsive in her home. Domenech confirmed Friday she had died.

Liz Wheeler of One America News Network said: “I can’t believe it. Bre was one of the funniest, smartest people in conservative politics today. Such an amazing laugh. My heart is broken.” She later added: “Bre was smart. Funny. I don’t have to tell you she was beautiful. I was always proud to have her guest host my show. We debated Catholicism. Laughed about our shared homeschool background & big families. Her texts sounded just the way she spoke, a delightful combo of valley girl voice and brainiac insight. I pray she is resting in the arms of Jesus. I miss you already, Bre.”

Earlier, Peggy Noonan, Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist for the Wall Street Journal and former speechwriter for President Ronald Reagan, had responded to Domenech and offered her prayers for Payton’s recovery.