Ty Wansley Dead at 63

Chicago radio news anchor and talk show host Ty Wansley has died.

He was 63.

Wansley passed away Wednesday at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, where he was admitted last week for treatment of congestive heart failure and related illness. His brother, Larry Wansley, said he previously suffered a series of small strokes.

“He really was a good guy, a caring guy who touched so many people,” his brother recalled.

Wansley was a staple in Chicago media, having hosted for more than 35 years.

Most recently, Wansley served as news and information director for three iHeartMedia stations: urban contemporary WGCI-FM 107.5, urban adult-contemporary WVAZ FM 102.7 and gospel WGRB AM 1390. He anchored morning news on V103 and WGRB and hosted two weekend shows, “Chicago Insight” and “Chicago Speaks.”

“Chicago lost a legend in Ty Wansley,” Matt Scarano, president of iHeartMedia Chicago, said in a statement. “Over his vast career, Ty interviewed community leaders, mayors, congressmen, governors, and presidents with ease. He most enjoyed his interaction with listeners and the community. We will all miss his passion, wit, and friendship.”

Wansley’s reach went beyond that of the urban market. In 1993, he teamed up with former Chicago Alderman Ed Vrdolyak at news/talk WLS AM 890.

Wansley is survived by two brothers, Larry and Danny. Plans for a memorial service in St. Louis are pending.