Don Shane, the former sports director and anchor of WXYZ-TV (Channel 7), passed away on February 24, 2023, at the age of 70. He was surrounded by his wife, Mona, and his two children, Justin and Lindsay, at his home in California. Shane was a respected and beloved figure in the Detroit sports scene, covering multiple championships and memorable moments for more than two decades. His death has left many fans and colleagues wondering what was the cause of his illness and how he spent his final years.
A Glorious Career Cut Short by Illness
Shane joined WXYZ in 1989, after working at stations in Boston and Chicago. He quickly became a trusted and reliable voice for the sports fans in Detroit, delivering the latest news and insights with professionalism and passion. He covered the Pistons’ three NBA titles, the Red Wings’ four Stanley Cups, the Tigers’ revival and World Series appearance, the Lions’ ups and downs, and many other events, such as the Rose Bowl, the Super Bowl, the Ryder Cup, and the prize fights in Las Vegas. He also had a popular segment called “Dare Don”, where he would take on various challenges, such as facing Lions great Chris Spielman, which left him with three broken ribs.
Shane had a close working relationship with many of the legendary figures in Detroit sports, such as Bo Schembechler, Sparky Anderson, and Chuck Daly. He had one of the last interviews with Anderson before the former Tigers manager died in 2010. He also witnessed the tragic death of Schembechler, who collapsed at the WXYZ studios on the eve of the Michigan-Ohio State game in 2006.
Shane retired from WXYZ in 2012, after 23 years of service. He said he wanted to spend more time with his family and enjoy life. However, there were reports that he was suffering from some kind of illness, which forced him to end his career prematurely. According to some sources, Shane had Parkinson’s disease and early onset of dementia, but these claims have not been confirmed by his family or any reputable sources.
A Mysterious Illness and a Private Life
The exact cause of Shane’s death has not been revealed by his family or WXYZ. His wife, Mona, appeared on the network on Saturday, along with another WXYZ veteran, Diana Lewis, to pay tribute to her husband. She did not mention anything about his illness or how he spent his final years. She said he was a loving husband, father, and grandfather, who enjoyed golfing, traveling, and watching sports. She also thanked the fans and colleagues for their support and condolences.
Shane’s family has been very private about his illness and his life after retirement. He moved to California with his wife and rarely made any public appearances. He did not have any social media accounts or any online presence. He did not give any interviews or statements to the media. He seemed to have disappeared from the public eye, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and integrity in sportscasting.
Shane’s death has sparked an outpouring of tributes and memories from his fans and colleagues, who admired his work and his personality. Many have expressed their curiosity and concern about his illness and his final years, hoping to learn more about the man they loved and respected. However, it seems that Shane’s illness will remain a mystery, unless his family decides to share more details. Perhaps, Shane wanted it that way, to keep his private life private, and to be remembered for his glorious career and his contributions to the Detroit sports community.