Russ Martin, a longtime radio personality in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, was found dead at his home in Frisco, Texas, on February 27, 2021. He was 60 years old. Martin was the host of the popular Russ Martin Show on 97.1 The Eagle, a rock station that also aired his show online and on iHeartRadio. He was also known for his charitable work with the Russ Martin Show Listeners Foundation, which supported the families of fallen police officers and firefighters.
How Did Russ Martin Die?
The exact cause of Russ Martin’s death has not been officially confirmed by the authorities. According to the Frisco Police Department, they responded to a call from a friend of Martin’s who found him unresponsive at his home around 12:30 a.m. on Saturday. Martin was pronounced dead at the scene. Police said they did not suspect any foul play in his death and that the investigation was ongoing. The Collin County Medical Examiner’s Office was expected to conduct an autopsy to determine the cause and manner of death.
However, there have been some speculations and rumors about what might have led to Martin’s demise. Some sources claimed that he had been suffering from some serious health issues for years, including heart problems that required surgery. According to InfoDeath, there were also wild speculations that he died of chronic alcoholism, which weakened his resistance to ailments. Some even suggested that he might have committed suicide, although there was no evidence to support this claim.
What Was Russ Martin’s Legacy?
Russ Martin was a radio legend in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, where he worked for more than three decades. He started his career in the 1980s at various stations, before landing a gig at KEGL, The Eagle, in 1987. He hosted a talk show on Sunday nights and also appeared on TV shows like Hot TV and Hot Tickets. In 1997, he took over the morning drive time slot at KEGL after Howard Stern left the station. He quickly became one of the most popular and influential radio hosts in the market, surpassing veteran Ron Chapman.
In 2000, Martin moved to KYNG, which later became Live 105.3, where he continued to host his show in different time slots until December 2008, when the station switched to an all-sports format. He returned to radio in July 2010, when he rejoined KEGL and resumed his afternoon show until his death. His show featured a mix of comedy, music, news, and commentary, often with a controversial and edgy tone. He also had a loyal fan base that followed him throughout his career.
Martin was also a philanthropist who founded the Russ Martin Show Listeners Foundation in 2002. The foundation raised money for the families of police officers and firefighters who died or were injured in the line of duty. According to his co-host Dan O’Malley, one of the last things Martin did before he died was sign a check for $40,000 for the widow of Dallas officer Mitchell Penton, who was killed by a suspected drunk driver earlier this month. The foundation also donated funds for bulletproof vests, K-9 units, and other equipment for law enforcement agencies.
Martin’s death has been mourned by many people who knew him personally or professionally, including his colleagues at 97.1 The Eagle, other radio personalities, local celebrities, police officers, firefighters, and listeners. He was remembered as a hilarious, beloved, and larger-than-life figure who made a lasting impact on the radio industry and the community.
