It is with incredibly heavy hearts that HOT 975 passes along the news that Kidd Kraddick, host of the popular, nationally-aired morning show Kidd Kraddick in the Morning, has died in New Orleans.

YEA Networks, which syndicates the show, released a statement Saturday confirming Kraddick's death. "Kidd passed away today in New Orleans at a golf tournament organized to raise money for his beloved Kidd’s Kids charity," the statement said.

Kidd Kraddick was an established and essential part of HOT for years. Kraddick's show, based out of the Dallas area but broadcast on many stations throughout the country, will air special live and tribute segments this week. According to a post on the Kidd Kraddick Facebook page, Kraddick's co-hosts Kellie, Big Al, J-Si, and Jenna will be on the air live briefly starting at 7 AM CT.

YEA did not confirm the cause of Kraddick's death, and no cause has been confirmed at this time.

Kidd Kraddick has been an integral part of HOT for years. Kraddick began broadcasting Kidd Kraddick in the Morning in Dallas in 1992. The show was syndicated to more cities around the country beginning in 2001.

Read the full statement from YEA Networks below:

“All of us with YEA Networks and the Kidd Kraddick in the Morning crew are heartbroken over the loss of our dear friend and leader. Kidd devoted his life to making people smile every morning, and for 21 years his foundation has been dedicated to bringing joy to thousands of chronically and terminally ill children.

Kidd passed away today in New Orleans at a golf tournament organized to raise money for his beloved Kidd’s Kids charity. He died doing what he loved, and his final day was spent selflessly focused on those special children that meant the world to him.

We ask that you respect the privacy of his family and his colleagues. At the appropriate time, we will release more information about the cause of death.”

Please join us throughout the week as we mourn our beloved Kidd. You can listen online all week and the HOT 975 phone lines are open at 663-9797 to pay tribute to Kidd Kraddick. You can listen onlineand we are collecting cards for Kidd's daughter Caroline, as well as for Jenna, Big Al, J-Si, Kelly and Shannon. You can drop them off at the HOT studio located at 4303 Memorial Highway in Mandan.

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