Condolences: “Footy”

• Longtime Miami radio personality John “Footy” Kross, a three-decade veteran of WHYI (Y-100)/Miami and the namesake of the station’s annual “Footy’s Wing Ding” benefit has died at 77. No cause of death was released.

Kross was also the longtime CEO of Here’s Help, a residential treatment center for troubled youth in Opa-locka. In 1974, while working at the nonprofit drug-treatment program he also took on the radio opportunity at Y-100, and ended up staying for more than 30 years. Originally known as “Athlete’s Foot,” Footy famously contributed sports reports to Bill Tanner‘s Tanner in The Morning show.

But his heart remained with Here’s Help. “I always knew I would continue on at Here’s Help,” Kross told the Miami Herald in 2010. “That’s my first world, my main focus.”

On Saturday, Here’s Help issued this statement: “John generously used his voice, influence and passion to raise awareness and funds for those we serve, leaving an enduring impact on our programs, our community and countless lives. His commitment to service, advocacy, and compassion will never be forgotten.”