Detroit sports radio host Jamie Samuelsen dies at 48 after cancer battle

Jamie Samuelsen, a veteran sports journalist and radio host in Detroit, has died following a battle with colon cancer.

He was 48.

Samuelsen, who hosted a weekday morning talk show on 97.1 The Ticket, died Saturday at his home, according to The Detroit News. He is survived by wife, PBS Detroit anchor Christy McDonald, and their three kids.

His death came less than a week after he told listeners he had been fighting the disease for 19 months. He was surrounded by family at the time of his death.

Samuelsen began working for 97.1 in 2012 and moved over to his morning drive slot four years later.

Before he switched to mornings, Samuelsen co-hosted a radio show during weekday evenings with Detroit sports columnist Bob Wojnowski.

Jamie Samuelsen (right) with his wife Christy McDonald and their three children.

Wojnowski called Samuelsen “the best damn friend you could ever have” in a tweet Saturday.

“Jamie was all goodness and kindness, the sharpest wit and the greatest laugh,” Wojnowski wrote on Twitter. “He did radio for 25 years in Detroit, and he kept adding friends along the way, as he built a fantastic reputation. He’ll be forever missed and forever remembered.”

Samuelsen also did print and on-camera journalism during his 25 years covering sports in Detroit.

His death was mourned by many in the sports world.

“We join the Detroit community in mourning the loss of Jamie Samuelsen,” the Detroit Tigers said in a statement. “A radio host, writer & TV personality, Jamie was dedicated to his craft and we will miss his enthusiasm for our city & sports franchises. Our thoughts & hearts are with Jamie’s family & friends at The Ticket.”