Joplin Missouri’s KZRG morning show reacted to the passing of the company’s market manager Chad Elliot on Monday. Elliot died unexpectedly over the weekend at the age of 47.
“He was a man of conviction and a man of passion,” said co-host Peter Thiele. “As an entire staff at Zimmer Marketing, we were all hit over the head by this news.”
Elliot hosted the station’s flagship program, Morning NewsWatch, for more than 10 years before transitioning into the role of market manager.
Thiele reflected on the fragility of life and called on his audience to appreciate their friends and family before it’s too late.
“The last time I talked to Chad it was just really quick in the hallway on Thursday,” Thiele said. “He was not feeling well, and he was out of the office on Friday.”
Several Joplin-area community organizations paid tribute to Elliot upon learning of his death. The Neosho Area Chamber of Commerce posted a touching tribute to him on Facebook.
“We were shocked and heartbroken to learn of his sudden death on Saturday morning,” the organization wrote. “Just 24 hours after this video was filmed. Please keep the Zimmer Team, Chad’s family and many, many friends in your thoughts and prayers.”
Elliot leaves behind a wife and a daughter. There is no word on funeral arrangements.
