Sports radio host Jamie Samuelsen dies at 48
Just days after announcing his lengthy battle with colon cancer, Jamie Samuelsen died on Saturday, surrounded by his family.
Samuelsen, a longtime Detroit sports radio broadcaster co-hosted the “Jamie and Stoney Show” on 97.1 FM The Ticket, working with Mike Stone on weekday mornings.
He was 48.
Sports writer and friend Bob Wojnowski announced the death on Twitter, saying: “I am so sad and sorry to pass this along, at the family’s request. Jamie Samuelsen, the best damn friend you could ever have, a tremendous broadcaster on @971theticketxyt passed away tonight at 48. He was surrounded by his wonderful family, and he went peacefully.”
On Monday, he announced on his show that he had been battling colon cancer since January of 2019.
“I was diagnosed with cancer January of ‘19, like so many men and women around here,” he said, according to The Associated Press. “Doesn’t make us unique or different or special, but it is cer
tainly a massive gut punch for where you think your life is headed. It throws you for a loop, it makes you reassess everything, it makes you hug your kids a little bit tighter, your family and friends a little bit tighter. It’s a battle, and the battle goes on.”
An Oakland County resident, Samuelsen is survived by his wife, Christy McDonald, a longtime television broadcaster in the Detroit area, and by their three children.
In announcing the fight against colon cancer, the couple emphasized the need for men to get checked early.
“We learned that the number of people UNDER the age of 50 diagnosed
with #coloncancer is on the rise,” McDonald tweeted. “The @AmericanCancer now recommends colonoscopies at age 45.
He is remembered for his positive personality and professionalism, working Detroit sports radio since the 1990s. He previously worked for WDFN.
The Detroit Pistons tweeted: “Jamie touched many sports fans throughout Detroit during his 20plus
year radio career. He was a true gentleman and his professionalism and passion for the Pistons and Detroit sports was evident whether covering a game live at the arena, broadcasting over radio and television, or writing for print.”
The Detroit Tigers tweeted: “We join the Detroit community in mourning the loss of Jamie Samuelsen. 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.”
The Detroit Lions tweeted: “Jamie’s personality and spirit were felt by all on Lions game days, and his voice on the airwaves brought us together. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Samuelsen family.”