Missing DJ Jeffrey 'JV' Vandergrift confirmed dead after body found in water at SF's Pier 39
The 55-year-old radio DJ had gone missing in late February. Police confirm that no foul play is believed to have been involved.
SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- The body that was found in the water at San Francisco's Pier 39 is confirmed to be missing Wild 94.9 show host Jeffrey "JV" Vandergrift, the SF Medical Examiner's Office said.
LISTEN: Heartbreaking moments on 'The JV Show' after news of Jeffrey Vandergrift's death confirmed
SFPD officers responded to Pier 39 just before 5 p.m. Wednesday and located a person in the water. The person was confirmed deceased at the scene, police said.
On Thursday, SF Medical Examiner confirmed the body was 55-year-old Jeffrey Vandergrift, who had gone missing in late February. Police confirm that no foul play is believed to have been involved.
RELATED: Wife of missing Wild 94.9 host says new information suggests JV 'will not be coming back'
Wild 94.9 shared a statement on Thursday, saying:
"With a heavy heart, we must confirm that the body found near Pier 39 on Wednesday afternoon has been identified as our dear friend, family member & colleague, JV. We are devastated to know that JV is gone. Please keep his wife Natasha, his family, and close friends in your thoughts and prayers."
Following his disappearance, listeners of "The JV Show" called in to share an outpouring of love and support for the show's co-host.
RELATED: Listeners show support for missing Wild 94.9 DJ as station shares 'incredibly worrisome' updates
"JV, if you're out there listening, we love you buddy," one listener said.
"I'm keeping hope alive," another said.
Sadly, hope dwindled when JV's wife Natasha Yi shared a message, saying she recently discovered information that "leads us to believe JV will not be coming back."
VIDEO: Wild 94.9 host shared heartbreaking details about health during final show before he went missing
Yi, who is also a Wild 94.9 host, thanked everyone for their support in trying to find her husband.
JV had openly talked about being diagnosed with a severe case of Lyme disease which often gave him "brain fog."
During what would be his final show on Feb. 23, JV shared an update on his health while talking to a listener.
"The stuff I've been going through in my brain that they are trying to figure out... ugh," he said.
VIDEO: How does Lyme disease affect you? Doctor talks about illness missing SF radio host suffered from
"It started off... with them believing that something had reignited old infections," he explained. "The body, and the pain and all that stuff I can handle. What it is doing to my brain, I could never describe to you."
Lyme disease is known to cause dizziness and fatigue, but it can also cause depression, anxiety and even rage.
JV's final message on social media began by saying "Thank you for a wonderful life, filed with joy, laughs, pain and struggle..."
On Thursday morning, the Bay Area sent thoughts, prayers and love to JV's family and friends. We welcome you to share your memories here.
A memorial for JV outside of iHeartMedia's studios in San Francisco began to grow Thursday afternoon with pictures, flowers and messages to the late radio host.
"I just remember the shows. They were pretty awesome. I remember the doghouse way back in the day and just listening to it as a kid and laughing all the time," said Pat Yalon, a long-time listener.
The president of iHeartMedia San Francisco, AJ Punjabi, issued this statement Thursday to staff:
It is with a heavy heart that we must confirm that the body found near Pier 39 on Wednesday afternoon has been identified as our missing colleague, JV. We are devastated by this news and our thoughts are with JV's family, friends, and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.
We want to remind you all to take care of yourselves and each other during this challenging time. Losing a member of our team is a significant loss, and we know that this news is difficult to process. We encourage you to seek support if you need it. Please don't hesitate to reach out to your manager or the company's Employee Assistance Program (EAP) if you need someone to talk to.
We will continue to work with the authorities as the investigation into JV's passing continues. We ask that you respect the privacy of JV's family during this difficult time.
JV was special to all of us and will be deeply missed. We will be taking some time to honor and remember JV's contributions to our organization, and we will keep you updated as we plan any memorial or remembrance activities.
TAKE ACTION: Get help with mental health issues
Authorities have not released a cause of death but it was known that JV had been struggling for some time. If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, click here for a list of resources.
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