Christian radio show host Rob Dempsey has died at the age of 57, just a week after telling his listeners that he had been diagnosed with stage 3 bladder cancer.
Dempsey was a radio station manager and host of the daily Rob and Lizz in the Morning Show broadcast from Greenville, South Carolina. He had worked at the station for 24 years.
Dempsey had been admitted to the hospital for emergency surgery when he went into cardiac arrest and died Wednesday from “complications related to stage 3 bladder cancer.”
Dempsey’s wife Amy announced that he died from a blood clot in his lung that traveled to his heart.
Christian radio show host Rob Dempsey has died at the age of 57, just a week after telling his listeners that he had been diagnosed with stage 3 bladder cancer.
Dempsey posted an encouraging message to his followers after his diagnosis
Dempsey had been improving his health in recent years after losing 140 pounds in weight.
But in September he noticed unusual signs that something was wrong before he was diagnosed.
Despite his grim diagnosis, Dempsey had previously posted a message saying he was optimistic about the future.
‘Thank you so much to everyone who has been praying for me. I saw the report today. I have bladder cancer and it seems aggressive… But today the report quickly arrives on My Chart. So this is what I’m reading.’
And he added: ‘Fortunately today I am at peace knowing that God is in control. The days ahead will be difficult and that’s okay. I am determined to be a father there for your children. I am determined to be that grandparent who will see them grow up, graduate and get married. I want to grow old with my wife, who has been a rock through all this crap.
‘I’ve seen some videos of people who have survived this and even have new bladders! Things look hopeful. Thank you for praying!!!’ Dempsey wrote, ending his post.
Rob Dempsey from ‘Rob and Lizz in the Morning’ on HIS Radio announces his diagnosis of a cancerous mass in his bladder on the show broadcast on October 16, 2024.
Dempsey was a radio station manager and host of the daily Rob and Lizz in the Morning Show broadcast from Greenville, South Carolina. He had worked at the station for 24 years.
Dempsey had been improving his health in recent years after losing 140 pounds in weight.
Dempsey said he noticed unusual signs that something wasn’t right in September before he was diagnosed with stage 3 bladder cancer.
Dempsey’s last Instagram post saw him being treated in a hospital hallway because it was too crowded.
Colleagues paid tribute to someone who “was not just a boss, but a leader and an encourager.”
“He always made us laugh. His fingerprints are all over this place. He had a huge impact on the community and Greenville. We lost him but heaven gained such an incredible person. He is celebrating with Jesus,” they said.
There has been a lot of love shown on Facebook by those who listened to him over the past three decades.
One message reads: “Rob is now in the presence of God and heard the words, well done my good and faithful servant.”
‘Rob was by far one of the most encouraging people I have ever met. Praying for his family,” added another.
Radio host Rob Dempsey of HIS radio, seen here with his wife of 33 years, Amy
Dempsey leaves behind his wife of 33 years and four children
‘It is very sad to hear of Rob Dempsey’s passing today. Thank you for serving so many of us with your godly gifts and discipleship in Christ!’ Another wrote on Facebook.
“Rob’s light shone so brightly in this world, and his absence will be felt by more people than I can count,” added a fourth.
Dempsey worked in radio for more than 35 years, working in production positions and becoming a volunteer DJ in Tampa, near his hometown of St. Petersburg, Florida, before becoming director of operations and programming for the Christian music station HIS Radio throughout North Carolina. , South Carolina and Georgia.
Dempsey leaves behind his wife of 33 years and four children.