Update: The Times-Picayune in New Orleans has just reported that Kidd Kradick died of cardiac disease -- information they collected from the preliminary autopsy results of the Jefferson Parish Coroner's Office. The investigation into his death is ongoing, but the coroner's office reports no abnormalities.
Original post follows...
Kidd Kraddick, who hosted the Dallas-based, nationally syndicated radio show Kidd Kraddick in the Morning, died yesterday in New Orleans. He was there for a fundraiser golf tournament for his Kidd's Kids charity. Kraddick started the day on the course but felt too ill to get past the first hole. The cause of his death has not been released.
Late last night, Kraddick's publicist released a statement on the Kidd Nation web site:
All of us with YEA Networks and the Kidd Kraddick in the Morning crew are heartbroken over the loss of our dear friend and leader. Kidd devoted his life to making people smile every morning, and for 21 years his foundation has been dedicated to bringing joy to thousands of chronically and terminally ill children.Kidd passed away today in New Orleans at a golf tournament organized to raise money for his beloved Kidd's Kids charity. He died doing what he loved, and his final day was spent selflessly focused on those special children that meant the world to him.
We ask that you respect the privacy of his family and his colleagues. At the appropriate time, we will release more information about the cause of death.
Kraddick has been on the air in DFW for nearly 30 years. His morning show on Kiss-FM (106.1) was nationally syndicated in 2001. His home radio station also posted a brief message, saying, "All of us at KISS-FM, ClearChannel Dallas, affiliated Clear Channel stations and markets, YEA Networks, and the Kidd Kraddick in the Morning crew are heartbroken over the loss of our dear friend and leader."
The station has been paying tribute to its loudest voice and most visible face since last night -- right now they're taking calls from listeners. As I type this, they're playing "I'll Be Missing You" by Puff Daddy and Faith Evans. Listen here.
