Russ Martin, a radio announcer at 97.1 The Eagle, was found dead at his home on Saturday morning, according to Frisco police.
A friend of Martin’s went to see how he was at his home on Block 6300 on Douglas Avenue and found him unanswered, police said.
The police responded at around 12:30 pm and Martin, 60, was pronounced dead in the house. The cause of his death has not been determined, but police said there was no suspicion of a crime.
During a 1 pm broadcast on The Eagle, several program members paused the program to announce Martin’s death and remember his friend.
“Our friend – our mentor – is gone,” said one person.
Through exciting tributes, the group recalled Martin’s life – the good times and his struggles – and the emotions they went through after learning of his death. They said they plan to find a way to pay proper tribute to Martin, who performed The Russ Martin Show on 97.1.
After the broadcast, Dan O’Malley said the news was shocking, but not unexpected for those close to Martin.
“Russ has been dealing with a lot of health problems in the past few years, so it’s sad that it inevitably comes to an end. But at the same time, we are trying to find solace in knowing that he is at peace and that he is no longer in pain, “said O’Malley.
He said at the height of Martin, there was no one better on the radio.
“It is also interesting because he is very polarizing. So, if you loved him, if you hated him, if you loved your show, if you hated your show, at least you knew him. And you had an opinion on that. Nor was I afraid to give an opinion on things. It is part of what made it so successful, “said O’Malley.
A post on The Eagle’s Facebook page and website asked fans to share their favorite memory of Martin.
Martin was taken down in 2008 when his old station, Live 105.3, switched to sports talk. He has been with the station since 2000. He returned to radio on KEGL 97.1 in 2010.
Just before he left the air, Martin was arrested on charges of domestic assault on his girlfriend. Martin subsequently did not contest the charges.
The Russ Martin Show Listeners Foundation, which supports the families of Dallas-Fort Worth police 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 first Dallas-Fort Worth respondents.
O’Malley said that both the foundation and the show will continue.
For those who wish to show their support, he encourages them to donate to the Martin foundation.
Anyone with information about Martin’s death can call the Frisco police at 972-292-6010. Anonymous tips can be made by sending a text message to FRISCOPD and the tip to 847411 or through the Frisco PD application.