Radio host Art Bell, best known for his nationally syndicated paranormal series, “Coast to Coast AM,” died at his Nevada home at the age of 72. His official date of death was Friday the 13th.
What happened?
According to Snopes, Bell’s show reached the peak of popularity in the 1990’s, in which it was broadcast on approximately 500 North American radio stations, including in his hometown in Nevada.
According to the Coast to Coast AM website, Bell, who got his start in radio as a teenager, once set a Guinness World Record for a solo broadcast that lasted 116 straight hours while working in Japan as a radio DJ:
“By the age of 13, Art was an FCC licensed radio technician. A few years later, as a young airman, Bell and an equally foolhardy buddy built their own pirate radio station right on Amarillo Air Force base, secretly broadcasting rock ‘n’ roll to appreciative locals.”
“These kinds of antics were not limited to bootleg military radio. As a civilian DJ, Art Bell landed in the Guinness Book of Records for a 116 hour (and 15 minutes) solo broadcast marathon “playing the hits” on KSBK on Okinawa, Japan.”
“Then he raised money in Alaska that allowed Art to charter a DC 8, fly to Vietnam and rescue 130 Vietnamese Orphans stranded in Saigon at the war’s end. They were eventually all brought to America and adopted by American families. Art’s no-nonsense demeanor doesn’t fool his listeners who sense he’s more complex underneath.”
What is Art Bell’s official cause of death?
At this time, an official cause of death for Bell has not been released; according to NBC News Las Vegas, an autopsy has been scheduled to determine his cause of death in the upcoming days. As mentioned, he was 72 at the time of his passing; although news of his death was not announced until the following day, his official date of death was also Friday the 13th.
As this story is developing, more information will be released as made available.
