Former Toledo Mayor Donna Owens Falsely Reported Dead After GOP Press Release Error
Former Toledo Mayor Donna Owens was mistakenly reported dead this week after the Lucas County Republican Party issued an erroneous press release expressing condolences to her family.
The release stated that Owens, 89, had died on June 16. Shortly afterward, a local television station published an extensive obituary honoring Owens, who made history as Toledo’s first female mayor and served from 1983 to 1989.
However, the report was incorrect.
According to The Toledo Blade, the mistaken announcement originated after the newspaper contacted the Lucas County Republican Party regarding an unrelated obituary. The confusion ultimately led to the release of inaccurate information about Owens’ death.
Owens learned about the situation when her daughter called her in tears.
“My daughter called crying, and then the calls continued to come,” Owens told The Blade.
After discovering the mistake, WTOL-11, Toledo’s CBS affiliate, updated its story and issued a correction. The station added comments from Lucas County Republican Party Chairwoman Barbara Orange, who said a team member accidentally distributed the press release and that the matter was being addressed internally.
WTOL-11 also published an editor’s note acknowledging that its original report incorrectly stated that Owens had passed away and apologized for the error.
The incident quickly drew attention across the Toledo community, where Owens remains a respected public figure. The local Democratic Party responded by expressing relief that the report was false and extended its best wishes to Owens.
“We are glad the news release was incorrect and wish her well with whatever she is dealing with,” the party said in a statement.
Despite the confusion, Owens is reportedly in good health and looking forward to a major milestone later this year. The former mayor is expected to celebrate her 90th birthday in August and remains committed to serving her community.
“I just want to keep volunteering and making Toledo better,” Owens told The Blade.
Owens made history as Toledo’s first woman mayor and continues to be recognized for her contributions to the city decades after leaving office. The incident sparked widespread concern among residents before corrections were issued confirming that the longtime civic leader is alive and well.