Entercom Sports “97.1 The Ticket” WXYT-FM Detroit announced that morning host Jamie Samuelsen passed away this evening from colon cancer at the age of 48.
Samuelsen joined WXYT-FM in January 2013 to co-host nights with Bob ‘Wojo’ Wojnowski. He then moved to mornings alongside Mike ‘Stoney’ Stone and Sara Fouracre (later succeeded by Heather Park) in September 2016. Before joining WXYT-FM, Samuelsen co-hosted mornings at 1130 WDFN and 94.7 WCSX and was Sports Director for 101.1 WRIF. He also was part of WJBK-TV’s Detroit Lions coverage and wrote for The Detroit Free Press.
He was diagnosed with colon cancer in January 2019, but only went public with the diagnosis this past Monday. He told listeners, “Each morning since my diagnosis, I got up, turned on the radio mic and got to talk sports. I needed the escape from cancer, just like so many of our listeners who face hardships, grief and illness, too — they turned to us in the morning for some levity in this crazy world. So I wanted to continue to have fun and not let cancer get in the way of doing what I loved.”
Samuelsen is survived by his wife, Detroit Public Television anchor Christy McDonald and their three children.
I am heartbroken by the passing of my great longtime friend and radio partner Jamie Samuelsen. He was one of a kind. Smart, kind and had a great sense of humor. He battled this for over 19 months.I will miss him dearly. Love you always James K.
— michael stone (@stoney16) August 2, 2020
You want to know how tough Jamie Samuelsen was? He was diagnosed with colon cancer 19 months ago, and he never got one damn break. He fought like hell and the cancer wouldn't let up. Not for one minute. But he never wanted people to know until the end. Incredible strength.
— Bob Wojnowski (@bobwojnowski) August 2, 2020
We join the Detroit community in mourning the loss of Jamie Samuelsen. A radio host, writer & TV personality, Jamie was dedicated to his craft and we will miss his enthusiasm for our city & sports franchises. Our thoughts & hearts are with Jamie’s family & friends at The Ticket. https://t.co/93ThCMWSML
— Detroit Tigers (@tigers) August 2, 2020
We share in the tragic loss felt by the Detroit community at the news of Jamie Samuelsen’s passing. Jamie’s personality and spirit were felt by all on Lions game days, and his voice on the airwaves brought us together. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Samuelsen family. pic.twitter.com/9zMGzIFQmn
— Detroit Lions PR (@LionsPR) August 2, 2020
