Weekend Update

Kidd Kraddick Dies at 'Kidd's Kids' Charity Golf Event We were shocked to learn that David "Kidd" Kraddick, the host of the "Kidd Kraddick in the Morning" show heard on dozens of radio stations, died at a charity golf event near New Orleans. He was 53, and would have turned 54 on August 22. The Texas-based radio personality, whose program is syndicated by his own YEA Networks, died at his Kidd's Kids charity function in the New Orleans suburb of Gretna on Saturday, according to Champion Management publicist Ladd Biro who released a statement for YEA Networks. "He died doing what he loved," said Biro, who added he had no further details on the death. The website of Kraddick's flagship station, CHR-Top40 "106.1 Kiss FM" KHKS-FM, Dallas-Fort Worth, is featuring a "Remembering Kidd Kraddick" with the picture of the morning show host seen here. A series of additional photos are also offered, but the station provides no further details on Kraddick's passing. Reports from the market say that fans left flowers and condolences written on signs outside Kraddick's Dallas-area studio. The Associated Press reports that fans left online comments such as "morning drive to work in the Dallas traffic will not be the same with out your voice." Another quoted comment reads, "I don't know why his death is affecting me like this. I never met Kidd in person, but I have 'known' him for 15 years or more. He has brought a smile to my face every morning," Tasha Gillespie Sigler wrote Sunday on the Kidd's Kids Facebook page. The "Kidd Kraddick in the Morning" show is heard on more than 75 CHR-Top40 and Hot AC radio stations and is a leader among most-listened-to contemporary morning programs, says Biro. The radio program also is transmitted globally on the American Forces Radio Network, and the show's cast is also seen weeknights on the nationally syndicated TV show "Dish Nation," added the publicist. "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." The statement adds, "He died doing what he loved, and his final day was spent selflessly focused on those special children that meant the world to him." There are now unconfirmed reports that Kraddick's death was the result of a brain aneurysm. Other reports say his death was caused by "cardiac disease." So far, no official cause of death has been announced. Clear Channel SVP of Operations Kelly Kibler Owens says in a statement, "All of us at Kiss FM, Clear Channel Dallas, 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." Entercom President and CEO David Field issued a statement on Kraddick's passing. It reads, "The entire Entercom family is shocked and saddened by the tragic death of our friend, Kidd Kraddick. Yesterday the world lost an amazing man and radio lost a tremendous talent. Even as he died, Kidd was doing what he loved and helping those who loved him. Kidd was a shining example to others. He brought joy and hope to thousands of chronically and terminally ill children through his dedicated work with his charitable foundation. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and his friends at this very difficult time. Kidd will be missed and always remembered." On the show's KiddNation.com website, his staff posted: "RIP Kidd Kraddick -- 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."