Longtime Southern California radio sports talk show host and reporter Joe McDonnell died Friday at Good Samaritan Hospital in Los Angeles. He was 58.
McDonnell was best remembered for co-hosting a sports talk show with Doug Krikorian on KSPN-AM (710) from 2000-2005. He also worked for many other stations, including KLAC-AM (570), KNX-AM (1070) and KFI-AM (640).
McDonnell attended Alemany High School and Los Angeles Valley College. He began his radio career in 1975 at KGIL-AM (1260), remaining with the station for seven years. He also was a reporter for several radio networks.
“Although Joe was opinionated and brutally honest in his coverage, I always felt he was knowledgeable and fair,” Los Angeles Lakers Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak said.
“He loved covering sports in our beloved city, and had a presence at every major sporting event. As both a player and executive, I enjoyed working with Joe since I arrived in town in 1981. I will miss seeing him at our games, practices, and press conferences.”
The cause of death was not announced. McDonnell is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, and many cousins.
Funeral services are pending.
