Kidd Kraddick, Nationally Syndicated Radio Host, Dies at 53

David "Kidd" Kraddick, the nationally syndicated radio host of Kidd Kraddick in the Morning, has died. He was 53.

Kraddick died on Saturday at his Kidd's Kids charity golf tournament in a New Orleans suburb, according to a statement on his radio show's Facebook page. The cause of death has yet to be released.

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Born David Peter Cradick, Kraddick began his career in high school when he DJ'd his senior dance. He eventually landed his first gig in Miami, followed by jobs in Salt Lake City, Los Angeles and Tampa, where he was given the name "Kidd" by his director. Ultimately, Kraddick moved to Dallas where his morning show, Kidd Kraddick in the Morning, became syndicated on 75 Top 40 stations. In 1999, he was named Air Personality of the Year at the Radio Music Awards.

"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," the station said in a statement. "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. He died doing what he loved, and his final day was spent selflessly focused on those special children that meant the world to him."

Kraddick is survived by his daughter from a previous marriage.