Comedian Ron Sexton, who was known for playing Donnie Baker on “The Bob and Tom Show,” died suddenly Friday while on tour in Ohio.
According to Sexton’s family, the comedian was in the middle of traveling to a show when he unexpectedly died.
The family reported the former TV star also had a show on Saturday as well as 39 other stops on the tour.
Sexton’s family announced his passing on Sunday through Facebook.
“It is with immense sadness that we let everyone know that Ron Sexton passed away yesterday,” read the post on the comedian’s page. “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,” concluded the post alongside a photo of Sexton and his family.
“The Bob & Tom Show” host Tom Griswold, 70, also posted a tribute to his late friend.
“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.,” wrote Griswold on Facebook. “Ron was a much-loved colleague and friend, and we will miss him greatly.”
“We send our sincerest condolences to his family and friends. 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,” concluded the post.
It is currently unknown what led to the beloved comedian’s death.
The Post reached out to Sexton’s rep for comment.
Born in Indiana in 1971, Sexton found his love for radio when working for his high school’s station as a baseball commentator.
In 2005, Sexton was hired by “The Bob & Tom Show” and became a rousing hit due to his celebrity impersonations as well as his iconic character, Donnie Baker.
Since news of his death first broke, several fans have posted their own tribute to the late media personality.
“Absolutely heartbroken to hear about the sudden passing of the incredibly talented comedian Ron Sexton aka Donnie Baker,” tweeted fellow comedian Jon Reep. “I fell in love with him the minute I heard him on the Bob & Tom show, and it made my day when he agreed to crash my podcast and take over.”
“His humor brought me laughter and countless lives, and his absence will be deeply felt,” continued the tribute. “May his legacy continue to shine brightly in the hearts of all those he touched and I’d say that right to his face! RIP buddy, I swear to God!”
“I was so sad to hear that our friend and great comedian @DonnieBaker1 has passed away,” said another fan. “You always showed us how to laugh at life and I appreciate you.”
“Make’em laugh every single day in heaven Ron!! aka: Donnie Baker,” tweeted a third fan.
Sexton is survived by his wife Tracy and his five children: Eric, Alex, Abigail, Aliah Jim, and Ila.
