Eric Von, radio host at WNOV 860 AM has passed away at the age of 58



MILWAUKEE -- FOX6 News has learned Eric Von, a radio host at WNOV, 860 AM has passed away.

Von hosted The Eric Von Show” weekdays from 7:00 a.m. until 9:00 a.m.

His death was confirmed for FOX6 News by a WNOV spokeswoman.

Von was 58 years old.

The cause of death has not been determined.

Below is Von's biography, via WNOV's website:

Acclaimed broadcast journalist and commentator, Eric Von, engages Milwaukee and national news makers, business leaders, educators, politicians, entertainers, athletes and artists in one-on-one and roundtable discussions. His probing style gets to the heart of the issues, enlightening listeners about those things that matter most to them.

Von is a veteran of more than 25 years in the radio industry, starting his career as a disc jockey, then, moving into news where he was a reporter and anchor. He served as the Business Manager for Radio One in Washington, D.C., and Director of Operations for the former 1290 WMCS radio.

Proving that he didn’t just possess “a face for radio,” for seven years Von was a regular panelist on Wisconsin Public Television’s, “Interchange,” a groundbreaking public affairs program. He was also co-host of “Black Nouveau” which airs on the network. From 1998 through 2000, Von was a special assignment reporter and a co-host of “It’s Your Vote,” a weekly political affairs show which featured candidate forums, debates and voter education information on Milwaukee’s ABC network affiliate, WISN Channel 12. In 2003, as Campaign Co-Director, Von used his political acumen to help lead Tom Barrett’s successful bid for Mayor of Milwaukee.

Today, he is one of the most sought after opinion leaders, sharing his insights as a panelist and moderator on political and socio-economic issues. Von is the managing partner of public relations firm, Von Communications. He is also the founder and publisher of Brain Brawn & Body, a health and wellness website committed to improving the health of African American men and their families.


State Sen. Lena Taylor issued the following words on Von's passing:

"Eric's mic is silent but the legacy of his commitment to this community and his family and friends is not gone. Our community has suffered a tremendous loss.

"May God bless his soul!"


Milwaukee Alderman Michael Murphy issued the following statement about Von's passing:

"I am saddened by the sudden passing of Eric Von, the longtime radio host who for many years reported on and talked about issues of importance to all Milwaukeeans.

"I had the pleasure of being interviewed by Mr. Von, and over the years I came to know him and his family. He was a class act and someone who cared deeply about Milwaukee. He will be missed.

"My prayers and sincere condolences go to his family at this very difficult time."