101 The Fox staple DJ Slacker dies from cancer complications, family announces

A staple on Kansas City’s radio waves for over three decades died on Tuesday.

Classic rock station 101 The Fox announced that Brian Adams, known as Slacker to listeners, died from complications of acute myeloid leukemia — a rare and serious blood cancer.

“He pointed out the little absurdities we all deal with, making us laugh at him and ourselves,” 101 The Fox said in a Facebook post. “Named radio legend by his peers, Slacker was a voice of, and for Kansas City. Sadly, that voice is now silent.”

The radio host had announced his hiatus from on-air work in August before undergoing chemotherapy for acute myeloid leukemia, which was diagnosed with in July, according to an Aug. 16 post on the site Caring Bridge.

Slacker returned to his disc jockey duties at 101 The Fox on Dec. 11 and then announced intentions to retire on the Feb. 26 show. His family said on Caring Bridge that he entered hospice care on March 25 and that his final show was on March 22.

“Well, on Friday, while I did not say, I’m done, and there is not a finality to the possibility of me doing one more or two shows, it’s becoming such an overwhelming challenge,” his family wrote in a post.

Fans left comments on 101 The Fox’s Facebook post, showing an appreciation of Slacker.

“A legendary voice and personality that will be great(ly) missed in KC. Our thoughts are with his family and all of his radio friends today,” a message from Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que said.

“Miss you Slacker! You were a great one! My father raised me on this station and you were one of the first DJs I remember on here,” wrote one user.

“For a man that literally made my drive into work a joy for as long as I can remember I thank him - and his family for sharing him with us all. I can only imagine how hard this must be for his loved ones. Sending prayers and hugs,” another person wrote.

The radio station was set to host a one-hour special at 6 p.m. Wednesday, to air old clips of Slacker reminisce about his favorite interviews, music and what he loved about being on the radio in Kansas City.

Slacker leaves behind his wife, Jennifer, and daughter, Brianna.