The Utah radio community is mourning the loss of longtime disc jockey and on-air personality Casey Baird, whose voice and personality touched listeners throughout Salt Lake City for decades.
Friends and family describe Baird as someone who lived with a deep sense of compassion and humor, often putting others’ needs ahead of his own. Tributes shared online portray him as a man who believed strongly in lifting people’s spirits—whether through music, laughter, or simple acts of generosity.
Baird’s connection to broadcasting began early. At just 15 years old, he started working as a DJ at KBER, gaining experience behind the microphone and building relationships within the local music community. In recent years, he expanded his role in radio by working with iHeartRadio, where he contributed both on air and in promotional efforts.
“Casey believed music had the power to change someone’s day,” one friend said in a tribute. “He loved knowing that even a short moment on the radio might help someone smile.”
Outside broadcasting, Baird also ran a business repairing Haas industrial machinery, a trade that allowed him to meet people from many different backgrounds. Those who worked with him say his friendly nature meant he rarely met a stranger.
Baird’s life was also marked by profound personal loss. In 2014, his daughter, Tawnee Baird, was tragically killed along Interstate 15 in a case that deeply affected the local community. Loved ones say Baird carried that grief with strength while honoring his daughter’s memory in meaningful ways.
In 2018, he found companionship with Julie Baird, whom he married on August 21, 2021. Family members say their relationship was rooted in deep friendship and mutual support. Friends recall that just days before his passing, Baird attended a hockey game with loved ones and got his first tattoo—a tribute to his daughter’s name.
Following his death, supporters have launched a fundraiser through GoFundMe to help Julie with funeral expenses and other financial needs.
As messages of remembrance continue to circulate, many say Baird’s lasting impact goes beyond radio. His warmth, humor, and willingness to help others left a lasting impression on the Utah community that knew him best.
