Bill Austin of the long-running Beth and Bill morning show on 99.9 KEZ has passed away this morning at the age of 55.
Austin has been a part of the Beth and Bill morning duo for nearly twenty years in Phoenix, and has been a Channel 12 TV weatherman prior to 99.9 KEZ.
After dealing with some health issues and turning 55, Austin decided to announce his retirement on-air in February.
Sources say Austin passed away due to bladder cancer.
Beth McDonald, Austin’s morning show partner, tweeted this morning, “It’s with a heavy heart but yes our Bill passed away this morning hope heaven has room for really loud colored shirts. Love ya big guy RIP.”
Beth and Bill have been a staple of Valley radio throughout much of their two decades together, including local television news presences in the mornings, a television show of their own– “Cooking with Beth & Bill”– billboards, books, community events and more.
99.9 KEZ will air a “Tribute to Bill Austin” Friday morning 6-10am.
ABOVE: Circa 2002. Courtesy: Archive.org / KEZ999.com
See Marty Manning’s video footage of Bill Austin’s announcement below:
