Watch Video(Image Source: The Dallas Morning News)
*BY JASMINE BAILEY*
Kidd Kraddick, the face behind the popular radio show Kidd Kraddick in the Morning, has died suddenly at age 53.
Kraddick passed away Saturday in New Orleans while hosting a golf tournament to raise money for his Kidd’s Kids Charity. (Via KTBC)
YEA Networks and the crew of Kidd Kraddick in the Morning released a statement saying:
*“[We] 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. He died doing what he loved, and his final day was spent selflessly focused on those special children that meant the world to him.” *(Via KiddNation)
Although some outlets are reporting Kraddick suffered a brain aneurism, the cause of death hasn’t been officially confirmed. The statement from YEA Networks says it will release more information at the appropriate time. (Via Mirror / Examiner / Fox News)
And Twitter continues to overflow with an outcry of sadness and support
Harry Styles of One Direction wrote, *“Absolutely devastated to hear about the sad passing of Kidd Kraddick. He was always so nice and will be incredibly missed. Lovely man.” *(Via Twitter)
And Joe Jonas wrote:
The sad sad news about Kidd Kraddick is shocking. He will be missed greatly. (Via Twitter)
The Jonas Brothers were set to play the first ever Kidd’s Kids concert next month. (Via Kidd’s Kids)
According to his bio, Kraddick began his radio career at a 10^th grade dance. He once said: *“[We] didn’t have enough money to hire a deejay. So I snuck out my dad’s stereo and did it myself.” *(Via KiddNation)
He then bounced around from Miami, Salt Lake City, Los Angeles, Tampa and finally to Dallas. (Via Wikimedia Commons / Big402Guy)
There he made the transition to morning programming. In 2011, the show was syndicated and is now heard in about 100 cities around the country.
Kraddick has won numerous awards recognizing his work. Including
*WB Radio Music Award for America’s Best Radio Personality *
Named one of the *Ten Outstanding Young Americans* by the American Junior Chamber
Major Market Personality Of The Year by Radio and Records
and a *Marconi Award for radio personality of the year *
Kidd was divorced in 2007 and has one daughter named Caroline — she’s in the blue dress in this video.
Errierly, last week Kraddick did a segment on his show called “final moments on Earth” where he said,
*“I want to thank all of you guys for being at my deathbed today. I'm going to miss you so much.” *(Via World Report Online) Reported by Newsy 10 hours ago.