Remembering ‘Super Snake’

• Details are still incomplete, but we were shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Arizona radio icon Super Snake, who died early Saturday morning, Dec. 30, after an apparent accident at home. Snake, 61, who never divulged his real name, had been set to host the now-canceled “Super New Year’s Eve Experience” in Scottsdale on Sunday night.

Snake was a Phoenix native who began his 40-year radio career in San Diego after graduating from Pepperdine University. After subsequent stops in Houston, Dallas, Philadelphia and San Francisco, Snake returned to his hometown, making his mark early on at KKFR, KZZP and KZON. In recent years he programmed Sierra H Broadcasting’s KAJM (Mega 104.3) and Rhythmic KNRJ (101.1 The Beat)/Phoenixand Bustos Media Rhythmic Oldies KTGV (106.3 The Groove)/Tucson before returning to Phoenix radio last October, hired to do 7-midnight on Desert Valley Media Group’s KMVA (Hot 97.5/103.9).

In the aftermath of Snake’s death, the station posted this message to social media: “We are devastated by this unexpected loss. Snake had the ability to make you feel like he was everyone’s best friend because he was larger than life. We will continue to honor Snake’s legacy and ask for privacy at this time.”

In addition to his many radio accomplishments, Snake was also known for his extensive charity work and TV appearances during the NBA All-Star Game, the Grammy Awards, Super Bowl week, and his long involvement with the Larry Fitzgerald Celebrity Softball Game and the Snoop Bowl.

Ed. note: “I first met Snake back in 1990 when we worked together at the late KXXX (X100)/San Francisco, and we had stayed in touch over the years, as I chronicled his various career moves and charitable ventures. Like everyone else who came into his orbit, I thoroughly enjoyed Snake’s enthusiasm for life and his infectious laugh. This is a tough loss to deal with.” — Kevin Carter