Russ Martin, a radio host on 97.1 The Eagle, was found dead in his home early Saturday morning, according to Frisco police.
A friend of Martin went to examine him at his home in 6300 Street of Douglas Avenue and found that he was not responding, police said.
Police responded around 12:30 p.m., and Martin, 60, was pronounced dead at the home. His cause of death has not yet been determined, but police said no disorder is suspected.
During a 1 p.m. broadcast on The Eagle, several members of the program interrupted the program to announce Martin’s death and remember their friend.
“Our friend – our mentor – is gone,” said one person.
Through emotional tributes, the group remembered Martin’s life – the good moments and his struggles – and the emotions they went through after learning of his death. They said they plan to pay tribute to Martin, who hosted The Russ Martin Show on 97.1.
After the broadcast, Dan O’Malley said the news was shocking, but not unexpected for those who were near Martin.
‘Russ has been dealing with a lot of health issues over the last few years, so it’s sad that it’s inevitably coming to an end. “But at the same time, we are trying to find comfort in knowing that he is at peace and that he is no longer in pain,” O’Malley said.
He said in Martin’s first time, there was no one better on the radio.
‘It’s interesting too, because he’s very polarizing. So whether you loved him, you hated him, loved his show, hated his show, you at least knew about him. And you had an opinion about it. Nor was he afraid to give his opinions on things. That’s part of what made him so successful, ‘O’Malley said.
In a post on The Eagle’s Facebook page and website, fans are 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 has been at the station since 2000. He returned to radio in 2010 on KEGL 97.1.
Shortly before he was taken off the air, Martin was arrested on a charge of assaulting his girlfriend. Martin later did not dispute the charges.
The Russ Martin Show Listeners Foundation, which has supported the families of Dallas-Fort Worth police officers and firefighters who died in the line of duty, has been in existence since 2002 and has donated more than $ 500,000 to the families of the fallen Dallas-Fort Worth. responders.
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 made by texting FRISCOPD and the tip to 847411 or via the Frisco PD app.