Russ Martin, a radio station on 97.1 The Eagle, was found dead in his home early Saturday morning, according to Frisco police.
A friend of Martin’s went to check on him at 6300 Douglas Avenue and found him unanswered, police said.
Police responded around 12:30 p.m., and Martin, 60, was pronounced dead at home. His cause of death has not been determined, but police said no gambling is suspected.
During a 13 o’clock show on The Eagle, several members of the show interrupted the programming to announce Martin’s death and remember their friend.
“Our friend – our mentor – is gone,” one person said.
Through emotional tributes, the group remembered Martin’s life – the good times and his struggles – and the emotions they went through after learning of his death. They said they intend to find a way to pay a proper tribute to Martin, who hosted The Russ Martin Show on 97.1.
Following the broadcast, Dan O’Malley said the news was shocking, but not unexpected for those close to Martin.
“Russ has dealt with a lot of health problems in recent years, so it’s sad that he’s coming to an inevitable end. But at the same time, we are trying to find relief by knowing that he is at peace and that he is no longer in pain, “O’Malley said.
He said in Martin’s first period that no one was better on the radio.
“It’s also interesting because it’s very polarizing. So, if you loved him, you hated him, you liked his show, you hated his show, at least you knew about him. And you had an opinion on that. Nor was he afraid to give his opinion on things. It’s part of what made him so successful, “O’Malley said.
A post on the Facebook page and The Eagle website asked fans 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 discussions. He has been on the station since 2000. He returned to radio on KEGL 97.1 in 2010.
Shortly before leaving the air, Martin was arrested on charges of domestic assault against his girlfriend. Subsequently, Martin did not plead for any competition.
The Russ Martin Show Listeners Foundation, which supports the families of Dallas-Fort Worth police officers and firefighters who died in the line of duty, has existed since 2002 and has awarded more than $ 500,000 to Dallas-Fort Worth families primarily respondents.
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 the Martin Foundation.
Anyone with information about Martin’s death can call Frisco Police at 972-292-6010. Anonymous tips can be made by sending FRISCOPD messages and advice to 847411 or through the Frisco PD application.