(KRON) — Doug McConnell, the long-time host of KRON4 News’ “Bay Area Backroads,” has died. McConnell’s death was announced in post on the Facebook page of his more recent show, “OpenRoad,” which aired on NBC Bay Area.
McConnell, according to the post, died of complications stemming from a stroke he suffered in 2023. He was 80 years old.
“It is with heavy hearts and deep sadness that we share the news that Doug McConnell peacefully passed on the night of January 13th, 2026,” the Facebook post read. “Since his stroke in the fall of 2023 he had bravely struggled to regain his health, but a string of setbacks finally caught up with him.”
McConnell began his 16-year run hosting “Backroads” in 1993 and continued as host until the series went off air in 2009. He hosted the series for the majority of its 23-year run, helping to steer “Bay Area Backroads” into becoming one of the longest-running regional television series in American history.
In addition to his work as a broadcaster, McConnell was an environmental advocate and was named on honorary ranger by both the National Park and State Park systems.
“Doug dedicated much of his life to telling stories about the world’s beautiful natural places and encouraged everyone to enjoy them and especially to protect them,” the Facebook post continued. “He made friends wherever he went. He was the best road trip companion you could have, the biggest optimist we ever met, a human GPS with a steel trap memory, friendly to a fault, knowledgeable about most any subject, and filled the world with enthusiastic positivity. We affectionately described him as the human golden retriever.”
McConnell was born in 1945 in Santa Monica. He was a graduate of Pomona College and went on to earn a master’s at Rutgers. During his nearly 50 years on the air, he earned multiple Emmy Awards.
“We loved Doug and will miss him dearly,” the post from McConnell’s current show concluded.
KRON4 sources confirmed McConnell’s passing.
Alex Baker
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