Lubbock Loses a Powerful Voice: Radio Talk Show Host Chad Hasty

LUBBOCK, TX — Chad Hasty, a fixture on West Texas airwaves for more than two decades and the host of The Chad Hasty Show on Lubbock's News/Talk 95.1 & 790 KFYO, died unexpectedly on Thursday, April 30, 2026. He was only 43.

According to statements from KFYO and Townsquare Media, Hasty passed away peacefully in his sleep Thursday morning in his Lubbock County home. Officials believe it was from natural causes. The news sent shockwaves through the community and beyond, prompting an outpouring of tributes from listeners, colleagues, and Texas political leaders who remembered him as a fair, insightful, and influential broadcaster.

A native of Grand Prairie, and a proud Texas Tech University graduate, Hasty began his broadcast career in Lubbock in 2003. He launched his first show on KFYO in 2006 and took over "Lubbock’s First News" in 2008. In October 2012, he debuted The Chad Hasty Show, which evolved over the years. By 2021, the program had moved to the 5–7 p.m. weekday slot and was syndicated across the Texas Townsquare Media Network, reaching listeners in Lubbock, Amarillo, Abilene, Wichita Falls, and beyond.

Known for its mix of hot-button political topics, newsmaker interviews, and heavy listener interaction, Hasty’s show featured conversations with local, state, and national figures — including members of Congress, governors, and presidential candidates. His interviews frequently made headlines. In addition to his on-air work, Hasty was the only representative from West Texas appointed to the Texas Elections Advisory Committee, serving terms in 2016 and 2019 under then-Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick.

For several years, we partnered with Chad Hasty to promote the San Angelo Chamber of Commerce’s West Texas Legislative Summit. The collaboration helped amplify important discussions on regional issues, bringing West Texas voices to a broader audience through Hasty’s platform and cross-promotion efforts.

Off the air, Hasty was a devoted family man. He married his wife, Jennifer, in 2011; the couple shared a love of travel and had recently become foster parents. They had a young daughter, Ava.

Townsquare Media Lubbock Market President Dan Endom described the loss as devastating. 

“Chad was not only a brilliant on-air host, but an even better friend,” Endom said. “Our deepest condolences go out to Jennifer and his baby girl, Ava. It’s hard to imagine not seeing his welcoming presence roaming the halls of Townsquare Media Lubbock.”

A special edition of The Chad Hasty Show aired Thursday evening at 5 p.m. on KFYO to celebrate his life and legacy.

News of Hasty’s passing spread quickly, with heartfelt messages from politicians, journalists, and listeners on X, Facebook, and local platforms.

Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows posted on X:  

“Elisabeth and I are heartbroken to learn of the unexpected passing of Chad Hasty. Texas has lost a powerful voice for conservative truth, integrity, and common sense. Chad wasn’t just a broadcaster, he was one of the very best to ever cover the people, policy, and politics shaping the Texas Legislature and our state. He asked the right questions, gave fair room for debate, and, most importantly, he made sure Texans stayed informed. … West Texas feels a lot quieter today with the loss of his voice. We are deeply saddened and our prayers are with his family, his listeners, and all who knew him.”