Editors note: This story will be updated throughout the day.
Popular conservative radio host Michael "Doc" Thompson died tragically Tuesday afternoon after being struck by an Amtrak train while jogging in Haltom City, Texas. He was 49.
Thompson was the host of "Doc Thompson's Daily MoJo 5.0" radio talk show, which he launched last year after leaving TheBlaze radio. "The Morning Blaze with Doc Thompson" show debuted in January 2013. Prior to that he worked in radio at number of stations across the country. He was born and raised in Ohio.
"Doc was one of the more gregarious guys I know," Blaze Media host Glenn Beck said. "He was the ultimate entrepreneur. He left us to start his own business. He loved new businesses and because of Doc, many businesses are flourishing because he would take them under his wings.
"He just always had a positive attitude and a can-do spirit," Beck added. "And we are devastated as a family and devastated for his family."
Thompson's broadcast style was a mix of reporting, commentary, humor and a lot of candor. He was driven to expose the truth.
He was an avid runner and a self-proclaimed "pizza snob." He will also be remembered for his big personality and being a friend to everyone he met.
Kris Cruz, Thompson's former producer at TheBlaze, credited the TV/radio personality for launching his career in radio. Cruz said he first met Thompson in 2014 when he was awarded as Thompson's "MostValuableTweeter." A short time later, Thompson offered Cruz a job producing his show.
Cruz said one of the things he would always remember about Thompson was his wonderful sense of humor.
"He was always pushing the envelope," Cruz said with tears streaming down his cheeks. "When me and Jeffy [Fisher] got the call [about his death], we thought he was about to release something or pulling a fast one on us."
"He was the real deal," Cruz said.
#RIP Doc Thompson you'll be missed and I love you brother. #WhatILearnedToday https://t.co/zXeEbYEPCk pic.twitter.com/OmnHGDq9gn
— Kris Cruz (@realKrisCruz) February 6, 2019
A GoFundMe campaign has been created to assist his family with expenses and needs.
He leaves behind his wife, Yuna, and three children, Tiger, Cubby, and Wythe. Thompson's family, whom he loved dearly, lived in Bentonville, Arkansas, while he commuted every week to the Dallas-Fort Worth area for his radio show. Funeral arrangements are pending.
UPDATE: Here's how the discussion went on radio. Watch the video below.
In memory of Doc Thompson | 1969-2019youtu.be