Well-known radio host Dave McKay has died at 55.
- McKay was found dead inside his home
- Police don't suspect foul play
- He was part of Dave and Veronica Show on 99.5
The St. Petersburg Police Department said McKay, whose real name was Steve Ehmke, was found dead Thursday morning in his apartment on 2nd Street South.
Police said the 99.5 WQYK host didn't show up for work Thursday on the Dave & Veronica Show. A coworker who lives in his building checked on him and found him deceased.
"I was shocked," said 970 WFLA's Tedd Webb, a longtime friend and colleague of McKay's. "I mean completely shocked. Because he's not old. He's not sick. And just one of those people you expected to live for a long, long time."
Webb remembers McKay as someone whose warmth and vibrant personality were unforgettable.
"I knew Dave when he first came into town 20-something years ago," said Webb. "He was the life of the party, a bon viveur. I mean, the guy would walk into a room and light it up."
Police don't suspect foul play.
According to McKay's Facebook page, he was from Bemus Point, New York.
The radio station's website posted a statement that said: "Dave was one of the nicest people any of us have ever met and he was 100 percent the guy you heard on air for years ... Say a prayer for Dave's family, his friends, and all of us here at 99.5 QYK – because we’re hurting right along with you."
WQYK also made a post to Facebook for listeners to leave their condolences. You can visit the page here.
We'll update this story as more information becomes available.