David "Kidd" Kraddick, the high-octane radio and TV host of the "Kidd Kraddick in the Morning" show heard on dozens of U.S. radio stations, has died at a charity golf event near New Orleans, a publicist said. Kraddick was 53.
The Texas-based radio and television personality, whose program is syndicated by YEA Networks, died at his Kidd's Kids charity function in the New Orleans suburb of Gretna on Saturday, said publicist Ladd Biro.
"He died doing what he loved," said Biro, of the public relations firm Champion Management, speaking with AP by phone early Sunday. He said he had no further details on the death.
Fans left flowers and condolences written on signs left outside his Dallas-area studio.
The website of Kraddick's flagship station KHKS, known as KISS-FM, featured his photo Sunday and remembrances of his career. Fans left online comments such as "morning drive to work in the Dallas traffic will not be the same with out your voice."
The "Kidd Kraddick in the Morning" show is heard on more than 75 Top 40 and Hot AC radio stations and is a leader among most-listened-to contemporary morning programs, Biro said. The radio program also is transmitted globally on American Forces Radio Network while the show's cast is also seen weeknights on the nationally syndicated TV show "Dish Nation," he added.
Kraddick would have turned 54 on Aug. 22.
Richie Tomblin, described as the head golf professional at the Timberlane Country Club in Gretna, said Kraddick wasn't looking well when he saw him getting ready for Saturday's charity event.
"He came out and he borrowed my golf clubs and went out to the driving range," 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."
Tomblin said the hundreds of amateur golfers taking part went ahead with the event Saturday. He added he only found out afterward that Kraddick had died and he was still shaken about it.
"I'm still trying to figure it out. I really don't know what happened. Everyone keeps texting me asking, "What's going on?' I really don't know," said Tomblin.
He added he was reluctant to even touch the set of clubs Kraddick had borrowed Saturday for his practice swings.