DJ Kevin “Kevy Kev” Russell died after contracting the West Nile virus five weeks ago.
PERRYVILLE, Mo. — A morning DJ at a classic rock station servicing parts of the St. Louis area died after contracting the West Nile virus, according to the station he worked at.
On social media, Classic Rock 93.1 KBDZ said that Kevin “Kevy Kev” Russell died Thursday afternoon.
“About five weeks ago, it seems Kevin contracted the West Nile virus. He had a fever he couldn’t get rid of, so when his temperature spiked and stayed there, he was admitted to the hospital,” the station said. “His condition deteriorated and it became obvious after a while, he was not going to get better again.”
Russell was also the general manager for the station based out of Perryville. The station said Russell was a beloved leader and was a key part of day-to-day operations.
“For this small staff, this has been one of the most brutal things we have ever been through. Kevin basically built this station in the basement of his house and is responsible for ALL of the technical aspects of the station. That’s why we’ve had so much trouble lately,” the station said.
Radio sportscaster Paul Brown also gave a tribute to Russell on social media; Brown said he first met him in the 80s when they were early on in their broadcast careers.
“Fast forward to this spring. Kevin had the idea to bring high school football games to the radio in St Charles on 101.7FM. He asked me to do the play by play. So nearly 45 years after our first gig together, Kevin and me became colleagues once again,” Brown said. “He worked tirelessly getting the station and me ready for the broadcasts. I was unsure of myself after so many years between broadcasting games but Kevin reassured me and made me realize it was “just like riding a bicycle.” He was right and I’m having more fun doing radio now than ever.”
This week, the Missouri Department of Public Health and Senior Services said that the West Nile virus has been spreading faster in the state than usual. It said as of Oct. 4, three people died and 15 people were hospitalized from the Mosquito-borne virus.