WHAS/Louisville's Francene Cucinello Dies At 43

Condolences to family and friends of CLEAR CHANNEL Talk WHAS-A/LOUISVILLE midday host FRANCENE CUCINELLO, who died this afternoon in LOUISVILLE at 43.   CUCINELLO suffered a heart attack MONDAY, followed by a brain aneurysm.

CUCINELLO, a NEW JERSEY native, worked in television news in BALTIMORE and CHARLOTTE and hosted at KTRS-A/ST. LOUIS before joining WHAS.

OM KELLY CARLS released a statement saying, "FRANCENE was an energetic force of nature, who combined a reporter's zeal for digging up the facts with an entertainer's flair for making them interesting. Through it all, her goal was always singular: bringing the truth to her listeners and fans.  Off the air, she was known as a compassionate friend, a tireless worker for charitable causes, and someone who could always be counted on in a time of need.  FRANCENE's passing leaves a void in our family and our community. We can take comfort that her legacy will live on in the good works she left behind, and in the many lives she enriched along her journey."

LOUISVILLE Mayor JERRY ABRAMSON said, "While we didn’t always agree on the issues, FRANCENE had a special way of spurring people to talk about subjects important to our community and our state."

KENTUCKY Governoe STEVE BESHEAR issued a statement saying, "I am deeply saddened to learn that one of KENTUCKY’s most beloved radio personalities, FRANCENE CUCINELLO, passed away unexpectedly today.  I considered her a friend, despite her tough questions, and I enjoyed our frequent interviews on her show.  People felt like they knew FRANCENE because she was so open and honest, and her death is a terrible blow to the community.  She was savvy, warm, whip-smart and compassionate.  She will be deeply missed by all."

A one-hour celebration of FRANCENE's life will be held MONDAY (1/18) at 10a at the SOUTHEAST CHRISTIAN CHURCH in LOUISVILLE.

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