DALLAS, July 28 (UPI) -- Syndicated radio personality David "Kidd" Kraddick died during a charity golf tournament in New Orleans, Clear Channel Communications Inc. said. He was 53.
The company, which owns KHKS-FM, Dallas-Fort Worth, where Kraddick's nationally syndicated show originated, said in a statement he died Saturday "in New Orleans at a golf tournament organized to raise money for his beloved Kidd's Kids charity," CBS News reported.
The Dallas Morning News said the cause of death was not immediately reported.
A written statement from his family Saturday said they were "shocked and saddened by Kidd's untimely passing" this weekend.
Kraddick was a fixture in Dallas since the 1980s and was heard mornings on KHKS-FM. His Web site said his show was syndicated in more than 100 U.S. cities.
Kraddick discussed death on his show just last week, WFAA-TV, Dallas, said.
"Nobody wants a long, lingering illness; nobody wants just that," said on the air, "but it would be nice if you could have a day or two where you know it is coming."
Kraddick then spent several minutes saying goodbye to each member of his on-air staff, WFAA said.
