Radio Host Jeffrey Vandergrift, 55, Found Dead After Going Missing Weeks Ago

Jeffrey Vandergrift, a radio host on San Francisco’s WiLD 94.9, was found dead on Wednesday, People magazine reports. He was 55.

The San Francisco Police Department Missing Person Unit asked for the public’s help finding Vandergrift on February 24, noting he was last seen the day before.

Now the San Francisco Medical Examiner's Officer has confirmed his death to People, and the police released further details.

Public Information Officer Niccole Pacchetti tells the magazine, "On March 22, 2023, at approximately 4:56 p.m. San Francisco Police officers responded to Pier 39 regarding a person in the water. Officers arrived on scene and located a person in the water. Officers and medics from the San Francisco Fire Department retrieved the person who was confirmed deceased at the scene. At this time, we have no evidence of foul play."

The radio station also shared the news on Instagram. The message said, "With a heavy heart, we must confirm that the body found near Pier 39 on Wednesday afternoon has been identified as our dear friend, family member & colleague, JV. We are devastated to know now that JV is gone. Please keep his wife Natasha, his family, and close friends in your thoughts and prayers."

On Friday, Natasha shared a heartbreaking message on Instagram, " struggle to write this to you as I can barely breathe or see through the pain and tears. As many of you have already heard, the SFPD found JV.

"Every moment he was missing was agonizing for me. But the pain I feel now is something I have never felt before. My heart is crushed, and I cannot see myself ever moving forward, ever feeling joy or being at peace."

She explained, "Out of respect for JV and his entire family, I will not share too many details right now."

Natasha she reminded readers that "JV loved his work and he loved connecting with all of you. He loved his family, and I know he loved me as much as I love him. Our bond was truly unmatched. JV did not want to leave any of us."

As she mourns with his family, Natasha asked everyone to "remember his laugh, kindness and the immense impact he had on many of you and our entire community."

She closed with, "JV, my love, I will cherish the time we had together and will miss you until the day I see you again. — Natasha 💔😭😭😭"

On March 1 Natasha thanked fans for their support on Instagram, and wrote, “personal information has recently been discovered that leads us to believe JV will not be coming back. I tell you this with incredible pain and sadness in my heart.”

The day Jeffrey, who suffered from Lyme disease, went missing, he spoke about his health issues on the air.

Vandergrift shared, "The stuff I've been going through in my brain that they're trying to figure out. Ugh," explaining that doctors believed something may have triggered “old infections.”

"The body and the pain and all that stuff, I can handle,” he said. “What it's doing to my brain I could never describe to you.”

He also mentioned the possibility of “experimental medications” or “very risky” surgery.

Jeffrey’s last Instagram post, states, “Thank you for a wonderful life-filed w joy, laughs, pain & struggle. It’s been a great journey. Your support & prayers meant the world. Keep shinin’ love=❤️ compassion=🧡 understanding =💛 truth=💚 forgiveness=💙 peace=🤍 and hope=💜for others.”

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).