Russ Martin, a radio host on 97.1 The Eagle, was found dead early Saturday morning at his home, according to Frisco police.
A friend of Martin went to his house to check the 6300 block of Douglas Avenue and found he was unresponsive, police said.
Police responded at about 12:30 pm and Martin, 60, was pronounced dead at home. His cause of death has not been established, but police said no foul play is suspected.
During a 1pm broadcast on The Eagle, several members of the show paused programming to announce Martin’s death and to remind their friend.
“Our friend – our mentor – is gone,” said one person.
Through emotional tribute, the group remembered Martin’s life – the good times and his struggles – and the emotions they went through after learning of his death. They said they planned to find a way to do a decent tribute for Martin, who hosted the Russ Martin Show on 97.1.
After the airing, Dan O’Malley said the news was shocking but not unexpected for those close to Martin.
“Russ has faced a lot of health problems over the years, so it’s sad that it will inevitably come to an end. But at the same time, we try to find comfort in knowing that he is at peace and out of pain, “said O’Malley.
He said in Martin’s prime, there was no one better on the radio.
“It’s also interesting because it’s very polarizing. So whether you loved him, you hated him, you loved his show, you hated his show, at least you knew about him. And you had an opinion about it. And he wasn’t afraid to give his opinion on things either. It’s part of what made him so successful, ”said O’Malley.
In a post on The Eagle’s Facebook page and website, fans were asked to share their favorite memory of Martin.
Martin was taken off the air in 2008 when his old station, Live 105.3, switched to sports talk. He had been with the station since 2000. In 2010 he returned to radio on KEGL 97.1.
Shortly before going off the air, Martin was arrested on charges of domestic violence against his girlfriend. Martin later did not plead the charge.
The Russ Martin Show Listeners Foundation, which supports the families of Dallas-Fort Worth police officers and firefighters who died on duty, has been around since 2002 and was the first to donate more than $ 500,000 to the families of fallen Dallas-Fort Worth . rescuers.
O’Malley said both the foundation and the show will continue.
For those who want to show their support, he encourages them to donate to Martin’s foundation.
Anyone with information about Martin’s death can call Frisco Police at 972-292-6010. Anonymous tips can be created by texting FRISCOPD and the tip to 847411 or through the Frisco PD app.