Beloved Radio Host Kidd Kraddick Dead at 53 [UPDATED]
UPDATE (7/29/13 12:30pm): Coroner Releases Kidd Kraddick's Cause of Death
UPDATE (7/28/13 2:20pm): After deep thought and deliberation, Kellie, Big Al, J-Si and Jenna have decided to go on the air live at 7am CT tomorrow (Monday) morning to share their feelings regarding Kidd's passing. We cannot say how long they will be live for.
Jenna commented saying, "To my closest friends, family and all of you who have supported me and the Kidd Kraddick family over the years, I want to say thank you for the overwhelming support during this unimaginably difficult time. I know we talk for a living and words don't do the emotions justice right now, but we will be going on-air tomorrow at 7 am central time to share our feelings and to hear yours. I hope you join us so we can be together because that's what Kidd would want." xoxo, Jenna
Original Report:
With sad and heavy hearts we pass along the news that Texoma's beloved morning show host, Kidd Kraddick, has died at the age of 53. Kraddick was the host of the Kidd Kraddick in the Morning show that airs every weekday morning on 92.9 KNIN.
Officials from YEA Networks, the company that syndicates "Kidd Kraddick In The Morning", have released a statement regarding the death of Kidd Kraddick, real name David Cradick. Here is their official statement:
“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's cause of death has not officially been revealed, though early sources indicate that he may have succumbed to a brain aneurysm during a charity golf tournament.
In a touch of irony, one of Kidd's last on air bits this past week was his "Deathbed Confessions", where he addressed each member of his show as though it were the last time he'd see them, saying,
"When I die, you have permission to take a bunch of creepy pictures of my body. I want to thank all of you guys for being at my deathbed today. I'm going to miss you so much."