Former Dallas DJ Russ Martin was found dead at his home in Frisco on February 27; he was 60 years old.
According to a police report, the Frisco police responded to a call at Martin’s residence on the 6,300 block of Douglas Avenue in Frisco, after a friend found him unanswered. Martin was pronounced dead at the scene; the cause of death has not yet been determined, but there was no suspicion of a crime.
Martin, who was born Russell Dale Martin on October 4, 1960 and grew up in Pleasant Grove, has been a Dallas radio personality for over 30 years. He rose to fame in the 1980s after joining the rock station KEGL 97.1 “The Eagle”, where he held the morning post at the drive-time after the Howard Stern Show left the station in 1997.
Subsequently, he performed The Russ Martin Show at KLLI Live 105.3 in Dallas until 2008, when KLLI switched to sports, and then returned to Eagle in 2010 to do the weekday show at The Eagle.
Martin also worked for Satellite Music Network and worked part-time for Z-Rock.
Jeff Skin Wade, half of the Ben & Skin Show, which airs on weekdays from 2 pm to 5 pm, shared a thoughtful memorial, saying:
“We are saddened by the death of radio legend Russ Martin. Russ was a hilarious, beloved and grandiose radio pioneer in DFW for many years. When he was not making us laugh, he showed a tremendous heart working tirelessly in our community to support first responders and their families when they needed it most. We were fortunate to work alongside one of the most influential radio presenters in DFW history. Our deepest condolences go out to his family and friends, as well as his fellow hosts and thousands of fiercely loyal RMS listeners. “
Martin was a controversial figure, dubbed a “shock athlete,” who defended animals and contributed to charitable causes, especially for early respondents, including a foundation that raised money for dead policemen and firefighters. He was also arrested for assaulting a girlfriend in 2008 and was the victim of an armed robbery in 2015.
A huge fan of cars, he had a collection of legendary cars that included Gran Torino’s Starsky and Hutch, General Lee of Dukes of Hazzardand a Batmobile.
Eagle asked fans to share their memories on Twitter.
“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of 97.1 The Eagle’s Russ Martin”, the radio station tweeted. “He will be sorely missed and we send our deepest condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time. We would love to hear your favorite memory of Russ Martin below.”
“I used to listen to his program on the way home from work, and when Russ went to tears, he made me laugh so hard that I was afraid to get off the road.” said A fan.
Other said, “He was the talented and comical part of Dallas Radio. He did a lot for the community with his work with animals and Police & Fire.”
“I was tuned in every day for 5 years on the way home from work”, said 1. “I was so excited to buy my first car when I was 18 and just heard him joke about things. I definitely made my one-hour trip a lot more bearable. Rest in peace, Russ.”