When was Brian McKenna diagnosed with cancer? Tributes pour in as influential St Louis sportscaster dies in crash

Brian McKenna, a St. Louis sports broadcaster known for his passionate commentary and philanthropic efforts, was tragically killed in a pedestrian car accident Saturday morning. He was 61 years old.

According to the St. Louis Metropolitan Police, the vehicle that hit McKenna was headed south when it struck him as he was crossing Hampton Avenue, near St. Louis Hills, at around 1 a.m. Paramedics pronounced McKenna dead at the scene.

McKenna’s health challenges have been publicly known, especially his fight with malignant melanoma, an aggressive skin cancer. He was diagnosed in 2017 and had multiple surgeries including five in one month. The treatments left him with partial facial paralysis.

During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, more than 500 cars drove by his house in a surprise convoy that raised more than $150,000 to help pay for his medical procedure. The support depicted his legacy and the impact he had on the St. Louis community. Overwhelmed by the love shown by his community Brian McKenna said:

"My favorite saying in life is your vibe attracts your tribe. If I am putting out this type of vibe, I am the luckiest man on the face of the earth."

McKenna had nearly completed a 25-year-long career in the competitive field of sports radio and hosting shows on stations like KFNS 590 The Fan. He was known for his humor and unbiased criticism of the industry.

Brian McKenna dealt with controversies, including a messy exit from KFNS in 2014. Away from the microphone, McKenna was actively involved in philanthropy.

He advocated for many causes, especially those benefiting law enforcement, first responders, and children’s charities. He worked with organizations such as BackStoppers and the St. Louis Hero Network, showing his passion for giving back.

Tributes pour in after Brian McKenna's death

Brian McKenna’s sudden death has triggered an outpouring of grief from family, friends, and fans. Another local broadcaster, Kevin Slaten, referred to him as “entertaining and fun,” while the Post-Dispatch columnist Jeff Gordon said:

"He was an amazing and upbeat guy. Everyone will tell you the same thing: He had a heart of gold."

Tributes poured in from organizations Brian McKenna supported on social media. He was honored by The St. Louis Hero Network as “a true hero” and was promised to “keep his legacy alive”.

According to St Louis Post Dispatch, his friends and fans placed flowers, notes, and balloons on his front lawn, and his iconic saying, “Your vibe attracts your tribe,” was written in chalk on the sidewalk in front of his home.