Kidd Kraddick was a popular radio host who entertained millions of listeners with his syndicated show “Kidd Kraddick in the Morning”. He was known for his humor, generosity, and charity work. But on July 27, 2013, he died suddenly at the age of 53, leaving behind a shocked and saddened fan base. What was the cause of his death? How did he hide his health problems from his coworkers and family? And what legacy did he leave behind?
The Official Cause of Death
According to the Jefferson Parish Coroner’s Office in Louisiana, Kidd Kraddick died of arteriosclerotic and hypertensive cardiovascular disease. This means that he had hardening and narrowing of the arteries, as well as high blood pressure, which put a strain on his heart. His death was ruled as natural.
Kraddick was attending an annual fundraiser for his charity, Kidd’s Kids, at Timberlane Country Club in Gretna, Louisiana, when he collapsed and lost consciousness. He was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The Hidden Diagnosis
What many people did not know was that Kraddick had been diagnosed with lymphoma in 2009, a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system. He kept this information secret from his coworkers and family, fearing that it would affect his career and his charity. He underwent chemotherapy and radiation treatments, which apparently put his cancer into remission.
However, it is possible that his cancer treatment had some negative effects on his heart condition. According to Dr. Gerry Cvitanovich, the coroner who performed the autopsy on Kraddick, chemotherapy can cause damage to the heart muscle and increase the risk of heart failure. He also said that Kraddick had an enlarged heart and blocked arteries, which could have been caused by genetic factors or lifestyle choices.
The Lasting Legacy
Despite his untimely death, Kidd Kraddick left behind a legacy of laughter and love. His radio show, “Kidd Kraddick in the Morning”, continued to air after his death, with his co-hosts and friends carrying on his spirit and humor. The show featured segments such as “Kidd’s Kids”, where he would send terminally ill children and their families on trips to Disney World; “Kidd Nation”, where he would interact with his loyal fans; and “Must Be Nice Guy”, where he would prank call random people and pretend to be jealous of their lives.
Kraddick also inspired many people with his charity work and generosity. He founded Kidd’s Kids in 1991, a non-profit organization that provides hope and happiness to children with life-altering conditions. He also supported other causes such as Make-A-Wish Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, and Children’s Medical Center Dallas.
Kraddick was honored with many awards and recognitions for his work, such as the Marconi Award for Network/Syndicated Personality of the Year in 2006, the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award in 2013, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2017.
Kidd Kraddick was a beloved radio host who touched many lives with his voice and heart. He died of a heart condition that he kept hidden from the public, but he left behind a legacy that will live on in his fans and friends. He once said: “I want to be remembered as a good person who tried to make a difference.” He certainly achieved that goal.
