'My heart is crushed': Wife of Wild 94.9 DJ 'JV' shares tragic message after his confirmed death

The 55-year-old radio DJ had gone missing in late February. Police confirm that no foul play is believed to have been involved.

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Friday, March 24, 2023
Wife of DJ 'JV' shares tragic message after his confirmed death
The wife of Wild 94.9 show host Jeffrey "JV" Vandergrift has released an agonizing statement following the discovery of his body earlier this week.

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- The wife of Wild 94.9 radio host Jeffrey "JV" Vandergrift has released an agonizing statement following the discovery of his body earlier this week.

LISTEN: Heartbreaking moments on 'The JV Show' after news of Jeffrey Vandergrift's death confirmed

"The JV Show" cohosts shared their feelings on-air as news broke about the death of their beloved colleague and Wild 94.9 host, Jeffrey Vandergrift.

His body was found in the water at San Francisco's Pier 39, nearly a month after he had gone missing.

RELATED: Missing DJ Jeffrey 'JV' Vandergrift confirmed dead after body found in water at SF's Pier 39

His wife Natasha Yi, who is also a Wild 94.9 radio host, shared a heartbreaking post on social media:

I struggle to write this to you as I can barely breathe or see through the pain and tears. As many of you have already heard, the SFPD found JV.

Every moment he was missing was agonizing for me. But the pain I feel now is something I have never felt before. My heart is crushed, and I cannot see myself ever moving forward, ever feeling joy or being at peace.

Out of respect for JV and his entire family, I will not share too many details right now.

I am devastated that the love of my life is gone. But what I do know is that JV loved his work and he loved connecting with all of you. He loved his family, and I know he loved me as much as I love him. Our bond was truly unmatched.

JV did not want to leave any of us.

For now, I am with JV's family in mourning, and we all ask for privacy during this time. I know all of you cared for and loved JV, so please continue to keep him in your thoughts and prayers. Remember his laugh, kindness and the immense impact he had on many of you and our entire community.

JV, my love, I will cherish the time we had together and will miss you until the day I see you again.

- Natasha

Yi had previously released a statement about a week after JV's disappearance, saying she recently discovered information that "leads us to believe JV will not be coming back."

RELATED: Wife of missing Wild 94.9 host says new information suggests JV 'will not be coming back'

On Thursday, the "The JV Show" co-hosts shared their raw feelings on-air as news broke about the death of their beloved colleague.

"Looking at his picture on the site, just reminds you of the - you know, the better times when..." co-host Graham begins.

"He was healthy and he was happy. I mean, that's how I'm going to continue to remember him... pre-Lyme," Selena continued.

VIDEO: Wild 94.9 host shared heartbreaking details about health during final show before he went missing

After wife of missing San Francisco Wild 94.9 DJ said "JV will not be coming back," new details are emerging from Jeffrey Vandergrift's final show.

JV had openly talked about being diagnosed with a severe case of Lyme disease which often gave him brain fog.

Listen to the full segment on "The JV Show" podcast's website here.

VIDEO: How does Lyme disease affect you? Doctor talks about illness missing SF radio host suffered from

How does Lyme disease affect you? Doctor talks about illness missing Bay Area Wild 94.9 radio host Jeffrey Vandergrift suffered from.

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."

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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