David "Kidd" Kraddick, the high-octane host of the nationally-syndicated radio show "Kidd Kraddick in the Morning" died Saturday at a charity golf event near New Orleans, a publicist said. Kraddick was 53.
The Texas-based radio and television personality, whose program is syndicated by YEA Networks, died at his Kidd's Kids charity function in the New Orleans suburb of Gretna on Saturday, said publicist Ladd Biro, in releasing a network statement.
"He died doing what he loved," said Biro, of the public relations firm Champion Management, speaking with the Associated Press by phone early Sunday. Biro said he had no further details on the death.
On Monday morning, Kraddick's radio team returned to the airwaves to share their memories of the late host. Click here to listen live.
The "Kidd Kraddick in the Morning" show is heard on more than 75 Top 40 and Hot AC radio stations and is a leader among most-listened-to contemporary morning programs, Biro said. The radio program also is transmitted globally on American Forces Radio Network while the show's cast is also seen weeknights on the nationally syndicated TV show "Dish Nation," he added.
"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," the network statement said. "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."
"He died doing what he loved, and his final day was spent selflessly focused on those special children that meant the world to him," it added. Kraddick would have turned 54 on Aug. 22, according to Biro.
The network statement said the cause of death would be released "at the appropriate time."
