Godspeed, Russell Rush
• UPDATED: RAMP joins the rest of our tightknit industry in mourning the passing of Russell Rush, PD of iHeartMedia Top 40 KXXM (96.1 NOW)/San Antonio and a popular fixture in afternoon drive on for 15+ years, who died Friday, Oct. 21, after a lengthy and brave battle with a rare form of cancer. He was only 44 years old.
It was just last Wednesday when Rush’s wife, Saralyn posted this heartbreaking update on Rush’s worsening condition to Facebook. The post read, in part, “We are home on hospice care to spend the last few days we have together with family…. We are heartbroken but blessed and currently don’t need anything but love.” On Friday afternoon, Ferrell posted this poignant update, which read, simply: “The Lord gained another Angel. Rest In Peace. Love of My Life.”
It was in late June 2019 when Rush first went public with his diagnosis, making the emotional on-air announcement that he had been diagnosed with a rare and incurable form of cancer called T-Cell Lymphoma. With his co-host, Raven by his side, Rush told his listeners, “I’ve kept this to myself for years, worried what people would say or think, or just to appear vulnerable. I now actually realize that that’s weakness, and this is strength.”
Saralyn announced that details about a memorial service will be released soon, and that Russell will be buried in West Point, IA.
• Russell’s Facebook page has been rapidly filling up with heartfelt tributes from his many friends and colleagues.
• Russell’s longtime friend Jeannie Hernandez has thoughtfully established a GoFundMe account to help his family during this most difficult time. Please take a moment to visit the page and donate whatever you can. Thank you.
