The Federalist writer and frequent Fox News guest Bre Payton died Friday after a sudden illness. She was 26.

“Bre has passed,” The Federalist founder and publisher Ben Domenech tweeted. “We are devastated. Last we saw her, she was her funny, smart, vivacious self. Now lost to us so suddenly.”

Before news of her death, Mr. Domenech asked for prayers for Ms. Payton and linked to a CaringBridge page that said doctors determined she had contracted the “H1N1 flu and possibly meningitis.”

Ms. Payton appeared on television just this week as she was guest-hosting for “Tipping Point” on the One America News Network in California. She was found “unresponsive and barely breathing” by a friend the next morning, the CaringBridge post said.

Friends and co-workers of Ms. Payton mourned her on social media Friday, including the woman who found her unconscious.

Thank you everyone for your prayers. It is with a heavy heart that I type this. Unfortunately Bre has passed. Please send prayers to her family. Rest in paradise you beautiful soul. https://t.co/pMFCZNaqKl — Morgan Murtaugh (@morganmurtaugh) December 28, 2018

Ben and I are absolutely gutted and horrified by this news. 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. https://t.co/K5nfRiB7gy — Meghan McCain (@MeghanMcCain) December 28, 2018

I cannot believe this. @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. 🙏🏼💔 https://t.co/gLJbqIP8g9 — Shannon Bream (@ShannonBream) December 28, 2018

I am so, so very sorry for you, for all who knew her, & for the world. Bre was interesting, sassy, unafraid to swim against the stream & I am stunned. I will miss her. I know well how little my words change anything, but I pray for comfort & strength & peace. — Mary Katharine Ham (@mkhammer) December 28, 2018

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