Russ Martin, Longtime North Texas Radio Personality, Found Dead At Frisco Home
FRISCO, Texas (CBSDFW.COM) - Russ Martin, a well-known radio personality in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, was found dead inside his Frisco home early Saturday morning, police said.
Police said they responded to his home on Douglas Avenue after a friend of his went to check on him and found him unresponsive.
Martin was pronounced dead at his home. A cause of death has not yet been released.
At this point, police said they do not suspect foul play.
Police are continuing to investigate along with the Collin County Medical Examiner. Anyone who may have information is asked to call police at 972.292.6010.
Martin was host of the popular Russ Martin Show on KEGL in the DFW area. He also founded the Russ Martin Show Listeners Foundation, which helps families of fallen officers and firefighters.
During a tribute on KEGL Saturday afternoon, co-host Dan O'Malley said one of the last things Martin did was sign a check from the foundation for $40,000 for the widow of Dallas officer Mitchell Penton, who was killed by a suspected intoxicated driver earlier this month.
"It's with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of 97.1 The Eagle's Russ Martin. He will be dearly missed & we send our deepest condolences to his family & friends during this difficult time," radio station 97.1 The Eagle said in a tweet.
The Ben & Skin Show, which airs before the Russ Martin Show on the weekdays, released a statement that read:
"We're saddened by the passing of radio legend Russ Martin. Russ was a hilarious, beloved and larger-than-life radio trailblazer in DFW for many years. When not making us laugh, he showed tremendous heart by working tirelessly in our community to support first responders and their families when they needed it the most. We were fortunate to work alongside one of the single most influential radio hosts in DFW history. Our deepest condolences go out to his family and friends, as well as his co-hosts and thousands of fiercely loyal RMS listeners."
The Fort Worth Police Officers Association offered its condolences for his work with law enforcement.
"Rest In Peace, @RussMartinShow. We will always remember his generosity and support of fallen police officers and their families. Many prayers for his family and colleagues at @theeagledallas," the association said in a tweet.
The Dallas Police Department also mourned the loss of the radio host.
"We're saddened by the passing of radio legend Russ Martin. A long time supporter of first responders, Mr. Martin will be missed by many. Our deepest condolences go out to his family," Dallas police said.
One of Martin's former colleagues, JD Ryan, commented on the host's personality on and off the air.
"Great heart. Good guy. And he hid it so well because his persona was the mean, tough rock and roll guy. In the real world, he kind of wasn't," Ryan said.
"That's kind of his forte -- his shock jock, outrageousness. But really there's another side that his listeners know very very well, he's very involved in the community," 96.3 KSCS host Mark "Hawkeye" Louis added.
