Richard Hake, a public radio host and reporter for nearly three decades who liked to say that his morning updates “woke up New York,” died on April 24, 2020, at the age of 51. His death shocked and saddened many listeners and colleagues who admired his professionalism and personality. But what was the cause of his death? How did the longtime New York City radio host die?
A Sudden and Unexpected Death
According to WNYC, Hake’s station, the 51-year-old anchor died at his Manhattan apartment, where he had been working in recent weeks as the coronavirus crisis kept station personnel from their office. Goli Sheikholeslami, the president and CEO of New York Public Radio, announced Hake’s death in a memo to staff on Saturday. She said the cause had not been determined. She said a tribute was being planned.
“Richard worked at WNYC for nearly 30 years as a host, reporter, and producer,” Sheikholeslami wrote. “He was an extraordinary broadcaster and journalist who had a passion for excellence and who took great pride in serving our audience. We will remember him very warmly.”
Hake’s voice was recognizable to many New Yorkers as the host of WNYC’s Morning Edition program, providing local news reports and interviewing the region’s news makers. He also contributed reporting to national programs, including NPR’s All Things Considered.
During a fundraising campaign about a decade ago, the station gave out coffee mugs featuring Hake’s mug — a drawing of him reading the news.
A Natural Cause of Death
Hake’s family told WNYC that he died of natural causes, the station said. His manner of death was ruled to be a result of an accident, according to the City’s Medical Examiner.
The exact nature of the accident was not disclosed, but some sources speculated that it might have been related to a heart condition or a stroke.
Hake had been working from home since mid-March due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which had claimed more than 16,000 lives in New York City by the time of his death.
Some of his colleagues and friends expressed their grief and condolences on social media, remembering him as a kind, generous, and talented person who loved his job and his city.
A Life Dedicated to Journalism
The son of a former Bronx police detective, Hake graduated from broadcast journalism powerhouse Fordham University in 1991 and got a glimpse of his future as a morning drive newscaster and reporter at the campus radio station, WFUV FM.
He joined WNYC in 1992 and spent 28 years working as a radio news host, reporter, and producer. He featured on several local and national NPR programs, such as Morning Edition (which he hosted), Weekend Edition, All Things Considered, and On The Media.
He also broadcast on MTV, the BBC, WCBS, WBGO, WOR, and WFUV radio. Hake hosted for MTV’s Logo Network’s The Advocate News magazine program. His documentary work includes “The Perfume of the Bronx” and the ” Coney Island Cyclone Anniversary.”
For his reporting, Hake was awarded accolades from the Associated Press Broadcasters Association and the Society of Professional Journalists. Hake made his Broadway debut as a chimney sweep in Mary Poppins.
In his Twitter profile, Hake noted his unique role in the bustling Big Apple, writing: “I wake people up and tell them stories on the alarm clock, the app, streaming, in the shower, in the car, etc.”
He was openly gay and had many friends in the LGBTQ community.
Richard Hake was a beloved and trusted voice of New York City radio who died unexpectedly at his home on April 24, 2020. His cause of death was ruled to be an accident by natural causes. He will be missed by many who appreciated his journalism and his personality.