Russ Martin, a 97.1 radio program on The Eagle, was found dead at his home Saturday morning, according to Frisco police.
A friend of Martin went to check on him at his home on the 6300 block of Douglas Avenue and found him unanswered, police said.
Police responded around 12:30 a.m. and Martin, 60, was pronounced dead at the home. His cause of death has not been determined, but police said there is no suspicion of gambling.
During a 13-hour broadcast of The Eagle, several members of the show paused on the schedule to announce Martin’s death and remember his 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 experienced after learning of his death. They said they plan to find a way to celebrate a proper tribute to Martin, who hosted The Russ Martin Show on 97.1.
After the broadcast, Dan O’Malley said the news was shocking but not unexpected for those close to Martin.
“Russ has been dealing with a lot of health problems over the last few years, so it’s sad that he’s coming to an inevitable end. But at the same time, we try to find solace in knowing that he is at peace and no longer in pain, ”O’Malley said.
He said that in Martin’s early moments, there was no one better on the radio.
“It’s also interesting because it’s very polarizing. So if you loved him, hated him, loved his show, hated his show, at least you knew it. And you had an opinion. And he wasn’t afraid to give his opinions on things either. It’s part of what made him so successful, “said O’Malley.
A post on the Facebook page and The Eagle website asked fans to share their favorite memory of Martin.
Martin was retired from the air in 2008 when his former station, Live 105.3, switched to sports conversation. He had been on the station since 2000. In 2010 he returned to radio for KEGL 97.1.
Shortly before leaving the air, Martin was arrested on a charge of domestic assault against his girlfriend. Later, Martin did not defend any challenge to the charges.
The Russ Martin Show Listeners Foundation, which supports families of Dallas-Fort Worth police officers and firefighters who have died in the line of duty, has existed since 2002 and has donated more than $ 500,000 to Dallas families. -Fort Worth first responders.
O’Malley said both the foundation and the program 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 a text message to FRISCOPD and the tip to 847411 or via the Frisco PD app.