By: Jessica Wallace, KamloopsThisWeek.com December 4, 2014
The music will continue, but you won’t hear the “wonderfully fun-loving” man behind the mic each morning on Kamloops airwaves.
Mike Evenson, a 37-year-old morning-show host for the local top 40 radio station 97.5 The River, was killed in a collision early this morning (Dec. 4) on Highway 1, five kilometres west of Chase.
Evenson was driving his daily commute from his Chase home to the station in downtown Kamloops for his 6 a.m. radio show when the three-vehicle accident occurred.
It involved Evenson’s vehicle, a logging truck and a tractor-trailer unit.
“We’re still all in shock,” said Garth Buchko, vice-president of NL Broadcasting. “We’ve lost a family member.”
A press release issued by Chase RCMP said an eastbound logging truck and a westbound car collided, followed by a secondary collision in which a tractor-trailer unit hit the overturned logging t
Evenson, the lone occupant in the car, was pronounced dead on the scene, while the two truck drivers were transported to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Chase RCMP and Central Interior Traffic Services are investigating the cause of the accident, but said alcohol does not appear to be a factor.
Buchko said Evenson was an “extremely hardworking” man who loved his family, which included two children.
Buchko also called Evenson “the best person to be around” and said his on-air personality matched his off-air personality.
“He was just a fun-loving guy, just a wonderfully fun-loving guy who dedicated his life to broadcasting,” Buchko said.
“We’re just dealing with the grief and the sorrow of losing a broadcast family member.”
Buchko said the station is focused on Evenson’s family right now.
Evenson worked at NL Broadcasting for two-and-a-half years. He was also the assistant program director for The River.
The station is playing continuous music for the time being, without announcers today or tomorrow.
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http://www.kamloopsthisweek.com/kamloops-radio-dj-dies-highway-1-crash-near-chase/
To say we lost a good one today is an understatement. I had the honour of working with Mike at my first radio job in Fort McMurray and was proud to call him a friend. He was one of the nicest people you’d ever meet, so incredibly talented, and he loved his family so much. I’m in shock and so saddened. Mike made a positive impact on so many of us.
I know I speak for everyone at The Q when I say we are all completely shocked and deeply saddened by the loss of one of most talented and truly wonderful guys we’ve ever worked with. Mike was my producer for almost 6 years and each day in that little room was a delight thanks to his bright light, positive attitude and endless dedication to the show. Mike loved his family and did everything he could to make sure they were provided for. His wife Crystal and boys Mateo (15) and Linden (9) were the light of his life and they are all struggling with this loss big time today. His career was really taking off in Kamloops and I know he was so excited to have been just awarded the morning show at The River that it breaks my heart to know that’s now over too.
We miss you Mike, we’re sad, sorry but also so thankful to have had you in our lives.
Thanks for being such a fine, fun friend.
Ed Bain
“The Q Morning Show” 100.3 The Q
I am so shocked and saddened by this news. Mike was
so loved by all of his colleagues in Thunder Bay when he was
A radio announcer (and an amazing one) for Rock 94.
He was such a funny, positive and happy family man.
I will miss his laugh the most. Xo miss u Mike
Didn’t know Mike, but sounds like a great guy whose career was just starting to take off.
My condolences to his family and friends.
Tragic. This highlights once again why Highway 1 is a deathtrap between Kamloops & Salmon Arm. This part of the Highway is terrible and needs to be fixed NOW! How many more deaths before the province gets off their backsides!? This should not have happened.
So sad to hear about Mike today. Things were ‘on a roll’ for Mike since he went to Kamloops. During his time at the Q he was a great team player, hard worker and great to be around. He started his family while in Victoria and was an awesome Dad, so proud of the boys.
We all loved him.
Our thoughts are with Crystal and the boys. Rest in Peace Mike.
I can’t stop thinking about the tragic loss of Mike, he was such a big part of The Q morning show and I always enjoyed his contribution to the program. We missed him when he left but felt happy for him furthering his career. We’re thinking about his family at this very sad time.
I only knew Mike for a brief time but he was a guy who could light up a room. My condolences to his family we lost a good one
Totally shocked at hearing this sad news. I was fortunate to have worked along side Mike in Fort McMurray. He was a natural communicator, passionate about radio and his sense of humour touched everyone around him. My heartfelt condolences to Mike’s friends and family.
It’s been almost 2 weeks since the tragic accident that claimed our special friend and colleague Mike Evenson, and believe me the days have been difficult to say the least for his wife Crystal and young sons Mateo and Linden.
It’s for that reason that I ask (if you’re able) to please make a donation via Pay Pal to help the family .
I am more than aware that sadly our industry for the most part is “slim” in the salary dept, so please don’t do anything you can’t afford (Mike would hate that), however if you are able to donate, it would go a long way to help lessen the financial strain for the family right now.
Here’s the link:
Re*****************@gm***.com
Please know that Crystal has not in any way asked for help, the pay pal fund was initiated by another radio friend. I am simply trying to get as many industry people aware of it as possible.
I realize there is no shortage of great worthy places to put your funds — especially at this time of the year — but I’m hoping you’ll be able to join us in this effort.
Thank you,
Ed Bain
“The Q Morning Show” 100.3 The Q
Victoria