DALLAS - Longtime North Texas radio host Kidd Kraddick died Saturday afternoon in New Orleans at the age of 53.
A statement from YEA Networks says that Kraddick died of a brain aneurysm while at a golf tournament in New Orleans to benefit his charity "Kidd's Kids":
"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."The head golf professional at the Timberlane Country Club, where Kraddick's golf tournament was held, told the Associated Press that Kraddick looked ill when he arrived for the event.
"He came out and he borrowed my golf clubs and went out to the driving range," Richie Tomblin told AP when contacted by phone. "It's kind of a freaky situation. He came out. He practiced a little bit. He hit the ball at the first tee and wasn't feeling good and after that I didn't see him."
Todd Graves, the CEO of Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers, says Kraddick will be missed.
"Over the past year, I have had the distinct pleasure of getting to know Kidd through our company's support of his extraordinary charity, Kidd's Kids. Before that, I was a fan just like millions of others," Graves said.
Despite the passing of Kidd, Graves says his company's support of Kidd's Kids will not end.
"On behalf of my entire crew at Raising Cane's, we extend our deepest sympathies to his family, his associates and to the thousands of families whose lives he touched in the most meaningful way. We will do our part to fulfill his vision for Kidd's Kids. God rest his soul," Graves said.
According to the show's web site, Kraddick's nationally syndicated radio show "Kidd Kraddick In The Morning" is heard in nearly 100 cities across the country and worldwide on American Forces Radio.
Kraddick also recently signed on to the syndicated television show "Dish Nation," which airs daily on FOX4.
Kraddick's numerous awards include the WB Radio Music Award for America's Best Radio Personality, named to the Ten Outstanding Young Americans by the American Junior Chamber, Major Market Personality Of The Year by Radio and Records, and the distinguished Marconi Award for radio personality of the year.
Kraddick's first job in Dallas was in 1984 on KEGL-FM (97.1). In 1992, he moved to Kiss FM (KHKS 106.1) and gained fame with his morning drive radio show.
Kraddick divorced in 2007. He is survived by a daughter.
I was saddened to hear about this, I loved how and him and Kelly went back and forth in the morning it'll never be the same. My Condolences go out to his family and his team at 106.1.. Gone To Soon..
