Al Allen, a respected journalist who spent decades bringing stories to life on air, has passed away. A familiar face on FOX 2 Detroit, the late media personality dedicated years to covering the city’s most important moments, earning the trust and admiration of viewers across the region.
A family spokesperson confirmed that Allen died Tuesday night at a hospital in Metro Detroit at the age of 79. While his passing has been made public, the cause of death has not yet been disclosed.
Who Was Al Allen?
Allen was a trusted voice in Detroit journalism, spending nearly 30 years at FOX 2 covering crime, corruption, and the everyday lives of people in Metro Detroit. Whether delivering breaking news or uplifting human interest stories, he brought a unique style and presence that made him a household name.
His journey in broadcasting began humbly at a college radio station, where he did more than just report the news—he mopped floors, cleaned windows, and then sat behind the mic to deliver updates to listeners. That dedication paved the way for a long career in television, which officially began in 1984 when he joined WJBK. He remained there until his retirement in 2012.
Allen’s work earned him multiple local and national awards, with recognition for his reporting on Jimmy Hoffa’s disappearance and his in-depth coverage of issues affecting Detroit’s African American community.
Furthermore, he was later honored with an induction into the Michigan Journalism Hall of Fame.
Who Was Al Allen’s Wife?
Allen met his wife, Alfreda Long, in Detroit, where they built a life together. They were married for over 55 years, standing by each other through both joyful and challenging times.
In recent years, their journey became more difficult as Alfreda battled kidney disease, which required frequent dialysis treatments at the Beaumont Dialysis Center in Southfield.
The treatments were essential for her survival after a recurring bowel obstruction destroyed her kidneys. On top of that, she had previously fought bone cancer.
Al remained by her side, navigating the emotional and financial toll of her treatments. He once revealed the staggering cost, saying, “Each treatment costs Medicare almost $4,000. That is almost $12,000 a week.” Despite the hardships, their bond endured.
They Had a Son and Grandkids
Allen and his wife, Alfreda, raised a son, Andrew Long Jr., who went on to build a family of his own. Andrew is married to Yolanda, and together they have two sons, Andrew III and Evan.
What Was His Net Worth?
At the time of his passing, Al Allen’s net worth was estimated to be around $300,000, according to some sources.
During his years at FOX 2 Detroit, he reportedly earned a salary of over $46,000 per year. While journalism isn’t known for making millionaires, Allen’s true wealth came from his impact on the community and the decades he dedicated to telling Detroit’s stories.
