Jeff Baugh Obituary – KFI-In-The-Sky Reporter Cause of Death

The world of Los Angeles radio lost a cherished member with the passing of longtime airborne traffic reporter Jeff Baugh. His recognizable voice guided countless commuters through LA’s traffic woes on the KNX, KFWB and, until his recent death, KFI news crews from the sky. He was also a Marine Corps veteran, sprint car and drag racing enthusiast, and genuinely nice guy.

Baugh started his career as a traffic reporter on the ground in 1988, then transitioned to airborne reporting. He joined the KFI team on April 3, 2017 as our KFI-in-the-sky during morning drive. Baugh was an essential member of the KFI staff, delivering quality journalism and breaking news stories throughout his career. Former program director Andy Ludlum called him our “secret weapon.”

A native of Texas, Baugh was a standout athlete at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth. He played tailback and was a strong-armed third baseman on the school’s baseball team, prompting Flem Hall of The Fort Worth Star-Telegram to coin a nickname for him: Slingin’ Sammy. The name stuck, and he was the first quarterback to throw for three touchdowns in one game (a record that has since been broken).

After playing professionally for the New York Giants and St. Louis Browns, Baugh became a college football coach, leading the Wildcatters of Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene to a 7-7 record in 1955 and 1959. He later coached the A.F.L.’s Titans — forerunners of the Jets — to a 7-10 record in 1963. Then, he returned to his West Texas cattle ranch in Rotan.

He is survived by his wife of 16 years, Dottie; sons Dominic and Antwan Baugh; daughters Jaycie, Camryn and Jenna Baugh; grandchildren Caleb, Courtney and Ahley Hudson, Tyler and Jason Marr, Octavia and Jacqueline Baugh, and Aiden Baugh; stepchildren Michael and Scott Roke; and numerous other relatives. Services will be held at Restwood Memorial Park in Clute at 1 p.m. Monday.

We’re sorry to hear that KFI-FM traffic reporter Jeff Baugh passed away Tuesday night after a battle with lung cancer. Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time. He will be deeply missed.