Kidd Kraddick dies suddenly

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KiddKraddickDavid “Kidd” Kraddick, the syndicated morning driver whose Irving, TX-based “Kidd Kraddick in the Morning” was heard on CCME’s KISS-FM (KHKS-FM Dallas), died 7/27, reported The Dallas Morning News. His show was syndicated by Kraddick’s company, YEA Networks. He was also seen on Fox Stations’ nationally-syndicated “Dish Nation” TV show weeknights. It was first  reported by Mark Cuban via Twitter that Kraddick had died. It was later confirmed by numerous news sources that he passed in New Orleans due to a brain aneurysm. He was working a charity event.


“It has been confirmed that Kidd Kraddick passed away today in New Orleans at a golf tournament organized to raise money for his beloved Kidd’s Kids charity,” KISS-FM owner Clear Channel said in a news release. “He died doing what he loved, and his final day was spent selflessly focused on those special children that meant the world to him,” the statement read. “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 company said.

According to sources, he had done a closing bit just last week about “what he would say to each member of the show in his final moments on earth.”

Kraddick, 53, has been a staple in the Dallas market since his late-night debut in 1984 on KEGL-FM (The Eagle). But his claim to fame began in 1992, when he moved to KHKS-FM and launched “Kidd Kraddick in the Morning.”

By 2001 the show was syndicated, and was lately heard in more than 100 cities.

The Marconi Award-winner’s brand expanded even further in recent months when he and his morning crew were added to Dish Nation, a syndicated TV show.Social media exploded with activity after news of the death broke.

Entercom President and CEO David Field issued a statement: “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.”

Said  Joel Folger, President Folger Media: “Kidd and I arrived in Dallas the same week in the 80s.  We worked together for about 8 years. I was the best man in his wedding and he was in my wedding. One of my favorite memories of Kidd… He came to my home town in Thief River Falls, Minnesota for my wedding.  My bachelor party was held at a cabin in the  woods.  First time Kidd saw the northern lights and I’m certain it was the first time he ever made a wager on wood tick races. Ironic… I got the news about Kidd while visiting that same cabin.  Even in death Kidd found a way to make me smile. Through his charity work Kidd did so many good things for children.  He made so many people in north Texas and around the country laugh. At one point I became Kidd’s PD.  I was his boss and I remember telling him, during one of many times he was recruited by other stations to leave Dallas… “Don’t do it Kidd, if you play your cards right… You will be as big as Ron Chapman.”  AND HE WAS.  Kidd was at the top of his radio game right down to the last day of his life. Please join me in praying for his family.  I am also praying for George Laughlin and all of Kidd’s friends and staff at the Yea Network. Saturday Dallas lost a radio icon.  So many good memories…  RIP my dear friend Kidd Kraddick.”

See the Dallas Morning News story here