RADIO host Kat Simons has died, leaving devastated friends sharing heartbroken tributes.
Kat, who worked at Mix 98.1 Richmond in Virginia for more than 25 years, passed away on June 29.
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Kat’s cause of death is not yet known.
Her radio station announced the tragic news on Saturday, calling her a “cherished friend” who has “left a void in our hearts.”
“It is with profound sorrow that we share the heartbreaking news of the passing of our beloved Kat Simons,” they wrote on Facebook.
“This loss has left a void in our hearts, one that seems impossible to fill.
“For decades, Kat graced our lives with her unwavering devotion to her work, her listeners, her colleagues, and her sponsors.
“She was more than a voice on the radio; she was a cherished friend and a comforting presence, always offering a kind word or a sweet question with sincere curiosity.”
“Kat’s life was a symphony of kindness and dedication, played out over the airwaves of Virginia radio,” the statement went on.
“For thirty years, she informed, entertained, and kept us company, her warm, smoky voice becoming a household staple throughout Richmond and Hampton Roads.”
Kat, who was born in Elkins, West Virginia, had a love for animals that blossomed from living at her family’s farm.
She dedicated her life to campaigning for animal welfare and was famed for her Pet Of The Day segment on the radio.
EMOTIONAL TRIBUTES
“Kat’s love knew no bounds, extending to both people and animals. Her dog, Stevie, and her cherished cats were a testament to her generous spirit,” Mix98.1 Richmond said.
She also worked with several charities, including The Alzheimer’s Association, SPARC, the Children’s Hospital, and the Henrico Humane Society.
“She was a constant companion, whether at work or at home. Her presence was always a continual source of comfort and pleasure,” the tribute went on.
“Kat’s legacy of love and kindness will forever echo in our hearts. Thank you for everything, Kat.”
Virginia This Morning co-host Bill Bevins also paid tribute to Kat, who he worked with for years on the radio.
“You could tell it was the real thing to the point where some people would say, nobody’s that nice,” he told 6 News Richmond.
“But she was. She absolutely was. The sincerity came through. She actually cared.”
Inside Kat’s tireless charity work
KAT Simons dedicated her life to charity work, supporting local recue organizations and serving as Vice President of Richmond Hero.
She worked with numerous groups, including Richmond and Hanover ARC, Relay for Life, the VA, USO, the Alzheimer’s Association, Arthritis Association, SPARC, Faison, Children’s Hospital, the READ Center, and the Diabetes Association.
The radio host also worked closely with the Henrico Humane Society.
Melissa Golden, Vice President of Henrico Humane Society, volunteered with Kat at the nonprofit’s annual Pet Expo for 15 years.
Melissa said she was “complimentary” to the society and added, “I hope other people involved in animal welfare will carry the torch in her honor.”
Bill remembered how Kat would bring people onto her show who she wanted to help.
“She was like a one-person Red Cross. She was amazing like that,” he said.
“If you think of somebody who needs help, whether it’s an animal or a person, then Kat will come to mind.”
“Women in radio, we just got together all the time to make sure that we were taking care of each other because it was definitely a boys’ club when we first got started,” Richmond radio personality Melissa Chase added.
“She was sort of the mom for women in radio. And she supported us in so many ways.”
Kat relocated to Midlothian, Virginia, later in life and hosted the midday segment at Mix 98.1 Richmond, formerly Lite 98 for decades.
Her last Instagram post was on June 17, when she urged fans to adopt a “sweet and cuddly” dog she had met at a local rescue shelter.
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