PHOENIX — Phoenix radio icon Super Snake has died, according to his family. He died in the early hours of Saturday, Dec. 30.
Super Snake was a staple on Valley airwaves for decades. Born in Phoenix, Super Snake attended Pepperdine University and began working in radio in San Diego. After working in Houston, Dallas, Philadelphia and San Francisco, Super Snake settled in the Valley. During the 90s, Super Snake was a popular radio DJ on the Power 92 in Phoenix.
Upon coming back to the Valley Super Snake joined the Desert Valley Media Group's all-new HOT 97.5 & 103.9 as a DJ.
Charlie Huero was a colleague of Super Snake and has known him since 1998. He said he was in disbelief and the DJ's passing caught many co-workers off guard.
Huero said Super Snake had a great love for the Valley.
"Phoenix was his home. He loved being here, he loved being on the radio and radio was his passion and that's something that we shared that was great to talk about," said Huero.
The media group released the following after news of the DJ's passing came out:
“We are devastated by this unexpected loss. Snake had the ability to make you feel like he was everyone’s best friend because he was larger than life," a statement released by the family said. "We will continue to honor Snake’s legacy and ask for privacy at this time. Thank you to everyone who has reached out with support.”
Huero called Super Snake a unique talent.
"He definitely was funny," said Huero. "He may have rubbed people the wrong way but everybody respected him. He took his job seriously, he wanted to have fun doing it, he always wanted to talk to listeners.
Fans of the DJ have been expressing their sadness following his death.
"We've gotten phone calls from people who said they grew up listening to him, they loved his bubbly personality his fun his energy, his long rolled-out super snake and just seeing him in the Valley," said Huero.
Many remembered him as being very outgoing.
"Very colorful and very energetic and people knew who he was, and people said 'hi' and he always loved to say 'hi' back and that's what I'll remember about him," said Huero.
Huero said his heart goes out to Super Snake's family.
Super Snake was set to host the event he created, the Super NYE Experience, in Scottsdale on Dec. 31. According to a Facebook post, the event has been canceled.
Super Snake never shared his legal name and his family is "honoring that request," according to a statement.
<< This story will be updated as additional information becomes available. Stay with 12News for the latest.
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