Radio DJ Kidd Kraddick Dies, Music Stars React

Popular radio and TV host David “Kidd” Kraddick, the longtime Texas-based host of “Kidd Kraddick in the Morning,” died suddenly at his Kidd's Kids charity event on Saturday in New Orleans. He was 53.

“He died doing what he loved, and his final day was spent selflessly focused on those special children that mean the world to him,” his network and radio family said in a statement posted to Kraddick's Facebook page. The cause of death has yet to be released.

“Kidd Kraddick in the Morning,” syndicated by YEA Networks, airs on more than 100 markets across the nation.

The network statement said, "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. 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."

Some of music and Hollywood's biggest names have posted their condolences on Twitter:

Harry Styles: “Absolutely devastated to hear about the sad passing of Kidd Kraddick. He was always so nice and will be incredibly missed. Lovely man. RIP… My love and thoughts og out to his friends and family. Very very sad news.”

Joe Jonas: “The sad sad news about Kidd Kraddick is shocking. He will be missed greatly.”

Demi Lovato: “#RIPKiddKraddic.. Grew up with you always on my radio. Had the pleasure of meeting you back when I was 9 at a showcase where even way back then, you believed in my talent. Dallas, TX lost a hero tonight and my heart is broken for the KISS FM family. You're already missed Kidd.”

Austin Mahone: “Just heard the worst news that @KiddKraddick past [sic] away… I used to listen to his morning show every morning on the way to school…”

Kelly Clarkson: “Oh man, I just heard Kidd Kraddick died! He's my childhood dj. What a sad day. His poor family. He was always nice 2 me from the beginning.”