In some tragic news out of West Texas, a beloved conservative talk radio host who had become a very familiar and influential voice in Texas politics passed away on Thursday, April 30, at just 43 years old. That host is Chad Hasty, who hosted a daily show on News/Talk 95.1 & 970 KFYO, which was based out of Lubbock, Texas.
According to his station, which did not disclose his cause of death, Mr. Hasty passed away in his sleep on that Thursday morning. The show he hosted on the station, called The Chad Hasty Show, aired every afternoon on KFYO and was one that was syndicated all across Texas.
Mr. Hasty’s show was characterized by his having a good bit of fun on it and by his mixing that with sharp political commentary aided by high-profile guests that he booked, which included, before his passing, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller and Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows. he was, thus, influential in state-level conservative politics and a voice to whom many listened.
That role, which began in 2021 when he got a late-afternoon radio slot, capped a long career that began when Hasty first started working at the KFYO radio station in 2003. Outside of work, he was known for enjoying trying new restaurants and premium cigars.
In a statement on the radio talk show host’s passing, Townsquare Media Lubbock Market President Dan Endom, whose company owns the radio broadcast network that aired the show, said, “We are stunned and heartbroken by the sudden passing of our beloved KFYO family member, Chad Hasty.”
Continuing, Endom added, “Chad was not only a brilliant on-air host, but an even better friend. Our deepest condolences go out to Jennifer and his baby girl, Ava. It’s hard to imagine not seeing his welcoming presence roaming the halls of Townsquare Media Lubbock.”
Similarly, Texas journalist Scott Braddock posted on X about Hasty’s passing, saying, “Devastating news out of Lubbock: My dear friend Chad Hasty passed away this morning. His voice was known across much of the Great State and had a heart as big as Texas. I’ll miss him very much #TxLege”
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Commenters on that post chimed in with messages of their own, saying, “I grew up in Grand Prairie with Chad’s parents. They were so proud of him. This is a devastating loss,” “Always liked yalls quips with each other in your pod. Sorry again,” and “Sad news. Never met him, but was a good follow on here. Peace to his family.”
Even politicians chimed in, Dustin Burrows, the Speaker of the Texas House, wrote, “Elisabeth and I are heartbroken to learn of the unexpected passing of Chad Hasty. Texas has lost a powerful voice for conservative truth, integrity, and common sense. Chad wasn’t just a broadcaster, he was one of the very best to ever cover the people, policy, and politics shaping the Texas Legislature and our state. He asked the right questions, gave fair room for debate, and, most importantly, he made sure Texans stayed informed.”
Burrows added, “I’m especially grateful for the role Chad played in my own journey to and through the Texas House. Time and again, he offered me a seat at his microphone and the opportunity to speak directly to the people I serve. He believed in giving leaders a platform — and holding them accountable — and he did both with professionalism, respect, and a healthy dose of humor.”
He concluded, “West Texas feels a lot quieter today with the loss of his voice. We are deeply saddened and our prayers are with his family, his listeners, and all who knew him. He will be greatly missed.”
Similarly, Governor Greg Abbott wrote, “Chad Hasty was one of the finest broadcasters Texas has ever produced. My and Cecilia’s prayers are with his family as they mourn his sudden passing. Every day, Chad showed up to the microphone with conviction, informing Texans on the critical policy and political fights happening in the Legislature and our state. Our hearts go out to his family, friends, and the countless listeners who welcomed him in their cars, homes, and offices. Chad will be deeply missed, may he Rest in Peace.”
Featured image credit: Chad Hasty Instagram