Twin Cities radio host Drew Lee died unexpectedly Saturday afternoon, his co-host Jon Justice announced at the top of Monday morning’s show.
The radio duo served as co-hosts of KTLK AM 1130’s immensely popular “Justice & Drew” program, a mainstay among Minnesota conservatives.
These go back to the early days of our friendship and working together around 2008 in Tucson. #TCNT pic.twitter.com/lHISB0PxSD
— Jon Justice (@JonJustice) June 27, 2022
Justice, who himself is recovering from open heart surgery, delivered the news from his hospital bed.
“This is the hardest thing I have ever had to do in my entire radio career,” Justice said. “I wish I could be there in studio but I’m here to tell you that on Saturday afternoon, my friend and your friend Drew Lee passed away.”
“Drew was my best friend. He was your friend and I don’t need to tell you how special he was. It goes without saying that I’m devastated and he will be tragically missed. Everybody here at iHeart is grieving. We ask for your prayers for Drew’s family that they get through this difficult time.”
Jason Lewis and Sam Sansevere filled in as guest hosts on Monday’s show but Justice asked to deliver the news himself.
“My life would have looked so different if not for the role that Drew played in it, both professionally and personally,” said Sansevere, who produced the show for many years.
Lee leaves behind a wife and two children.
“Drew loved life, he lived every moment to its fullest. I was texting and joking with him in the hours leading up to his passing. Even then he was enjoying his day. It still doesn’t feel real,” Justice later wrote on Twitter.
Drew loved life, he lived every moment to it’s fullest. I was texting and joking with him in the hours leading up to his passing. Even then he was enjoying his day. It still doesn’t feel real. This was I believe the first picture of all us. @samsansevere pic.twitter.com/I73t4yfNH1
— Jon Justice (@JonJustice) June 27, 2022
The tributes to Lee poured in following the announcement.
“Drew was a talk radio veteran — conservative, funny, talented, kind, decent, and irreplaceable. I loved his work on the show. I loved being with him in the studio. I always left with the feeling that I was walking on a cloud,” wrote Power Line’s Scott Johnson, a frequent guest on the show who had just joined Lee in-studio Friday morning.
The station received an overflow of calls Monday morning from distraught listeners who shared how Lee helped them get through difficult times.
“You don’t just listen to voices and hear these voices. You meet them in person and they become your friends,” said one listener. “I know many can say that about Andrew.”
Drew Lee led a life well-lived, which was far too short. We will miss him dearly, both as a trusted voice on the airwaves and as a great friend. https://t.co/wWE5ONa69g
— Tom Emmer (@RepTomEmmer) June 27, 2022
Deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Drew Lee.
For conservatives across the Twin Cities, he wasn’t just a voice on the radio, he was a friend.
Lifting up his family in prayer. He will be greatly missed by all. https://t.co/Cw8JurbeeG
— Jim Schultz for Minnesota Attorney General (@JimForMN) June 27, 2022
With a heavy heart, I join my @TCNewsTalk family in mourning the passing of @AndrewLeeTCNT
Drew bubbled over with laughter and joy. He actively listened. He saw past the cold business of radio to the point of it all, connecting with people. We are less without him. pic.twitter.com/QH7nZb5SNo
— Walter Hudson (@WalterHudson) June 27, 2022
Saddened to hear of the passing of Drew Lee, a talented individual, who knew the issues of the day well, spoke about them intelligently and laced his interviews with a perfect mix of logic, humor and sincerity.
My thoughts and prayers go out to Drew's family and friends. https://t.co/0F4fFxTKVt
— Ryan Wilson (@RyanWilsonMN) June 27, 2022
RIP Andrew Lee. Devastated by the loss of this special leader,praying for his family and grateful John Justice is recovering. Thanks to Sam & Jason Lewis for getting us through Day1. #mnleg pic.twitter.com/vH7S9OuBih
— Kim Crockett (@KimCrockettSOS) June 27, 2022
Saddened to hear about the passing of Drew Lee from @jdtcnt. Justice & Drew was the first media interview I ever did. Jon, Drew and Sam made this first time, nervous candidate, feel so welcome. My thoughts and prayers are with the Lee family and the whole @jdtcnt family. #TCNT pic.twitter.com/KMOEo9HQwo
— Jai Hanson For Hennepin County Sheriff (@jai4sheriff) June 27, 2022
I’m very sorry to learn of Drew Lee’s passing this morning. He was a Minnesota icon. I started my days listening to him and @JonJustice on @JDCTCNT. There will forever be void.
May his memory be a blessing. My prayers are with his family and friends.https://t.co/FsYlFA8Y1v
— Cicely Davis (@CicelyDavisMN) June 27, 2022
I ran into Drew Lee in the hallways, the elevator, or the break room almost every day. He always had a smile and was so very kind. I wish I got to hear his show more often. He’ll be missed not only by listeners but by people whose lives he touched in other ways. Like me. #tcnt
— Dave Ryan (@daveryankdwb) June 27, 2022
Anthony Gockowski
Anthony Gockowski is Editor-in-Chief of Alpha News. He previously worked as an editor for The Minnesota Sun and Campus Reform, and wrote for the Daily Caller.
