The longtime DJ DJ Russ Martin was found dead in his house in Frisco on February 27; he was 60.
According to a police report, Frisco police responded to a call in Martin’s home in the 6300 block of Douglas Avenue in Frisco, after a friend did not respond. Martin was pronounced dead at the scene; the cause of death has yet to be determined, but it is not suspected that there is foul play.
Martin, born October 4, 1960 in Russell Dale Martin and raised in Pleasant Grove, was a Dallas radio personality for more than 30 years. He gained notoriety in the 80s after joining rock station KEGL 97.1 “The Eagle”, where he made the morning drive time slot after The Howard Stern Show left the station in 1997.
He then hosted The Russ Martin Show on KLLI Live 105.3 in Dallas until 2008, when KLLI switched to sports, then returned to The Eagle in 2010 to do the weekly afternoon show on The Eagle.
Martin also worked for the Satellite Music Network and worked part-time for Z-Rock.
Jeff Skin Wade, half of the Ben & Skin Show on weekdays from 2pm to 5pm, shared a thoughtful memorial that says:
“We are saddened by the passing of radio legend Russ Martin. Russ has been a hilarious, beloved and great radio player in DFW for many years. When he did not make us all laugh, he showed a great heart by working tirelessly. in our community to support first responders and their families when they needed it most.We were fortunate to work with one of the most influential radio hosts in DFW history.Our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends, as well as his fellow guests and thousands of fiercely loyal RMS listeners. ‘
Martin was a controversial figure, called a ‘shock jock’, who campaigned for animals and contributed to charitable causes, especially for first responders, including a foundation that raised money for fallen police officers and firefighters. He was also arrested in 2008 for assaulting a girlfriend and was the victim of an armed robbery in 2015.
As a big car lover, he had a collection of legendary cars that included the Gran Torino from Starsky & Hutch, General Lee of Dukes of Hazzard, and a Batmobile.
The Eagle asked fans to share their memories on Twitter.
“It’s with heavy hearts that we’re the passing of 97.1 The Eagle’s Russ Martin,” the radio station announced tweeted. “He will be greatly missed and we want to send our deepest condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time. We would like to hear your favorite memory of Russ Martin below.”
“I listened to his work on the ride from my work to my house, and if Russ were to go on a tear, he would make me laugh so much that I was afraid to swerve off the road.” said a fan.
Another said“He was the talented and comedic part of Dallas Radio. He did so much for the community with his work with Animals and Police & Fire.”
“I worked every day on the way to work for five years,” said one. “I was so excited to get my first car when I was 18 and just chatted to him about things. I definitely made my hour-long ride more bearable. Rest in peace, Russ.”