Comedian Ron Sexton, famed for his Donnie Baker character on radio's "The Bob & Tom Show," passed away unexpectedly on Friday while traveling in Ohio, according to the New York Post.
No cause of death has been revealed as of yet for the 52-year-old funnyman, who was on his way to a performance as part of his stand-up comedy tour when he died suddenly.
The news of Sexton's untimely death was first announced Saturday in a statement from his family along with a recent family photo posted to the official Donnie Baker Facebook page.
"It is with immense sadness that we let everyone know that Ron Sexton passed away yesterday," the family's statement said. "He was Donnie Baker to most of you, but Ron and Dad to us. Please respect our privacy at this time and pray for our family."
That sad news was subsequently confirmed via a statement posted to "The Bob & Tom Show" official Facebook page from co-host Tom Griswold.
"We are sad to confirm that Ron Sexton, longtime member of the ensemble cast of 'The Bob & Tom Show', died Friday in Ohio while on tour with his stand-up comedy show," Griswold said. "Ron was known by millions of listeners of 'The Bob & Tom Show' for the indelible comedic characters he played on-air -- including Donnie Baker, Kenny Tarmac, and Floyd the Trucker, as well as his spot-on celebrity impersonations."
"Ron was a much-loved colleague and friend, and we will miss him greatly. We send our sincerest condolences to his family and friends," the co-host added. "He made many, many people happy during his more than 20 years with 'The Bob & Tom Show,' and we will remember him with love and gratitude."
While Sexton's wife of almost 29 years had obviously been included in the family statement that announced the comedian's passing, Tracey Sexton shared a more personal statement about the loss of her husband Ron with The U.S. Sun in a piece published Tuesday.
"Though his talent was unparalleled, Ron was so much more than Donnie Baker. He was a loving husband, father, son, friend, and coach," his wife said. "We know he’s at peace and are proud to know he will continue to make people around the world laugh forever. We appreciate all of the love and support."
She further revealed that due to the fact that her husband "didn't like attention," despite his very public persona and career path, funeral services would not be open to the public and various social media postings about Ron would serve in lieu of a public viewing or memorial service.
Tracey added, however, "I appreciate all of you who are taking the time to honor him. He was one of a kind."
The New York Post reported that Sexton was born in 1971 in Indiana and essentially launched his radio career as a baseball commentator in high school.
He developed his comedic personality over time and, in 2005, joined "The Bob & Tom Show" and from then on entertained audiences with his Donnie Baker character and a number of other celebrity impersonations.
Sexton leaves behind his wife, Tracey, and their five children -- Eric, Alex, Abigail, Aliah Jim, and Ila.
