Salt Lake City, Utah – The Utah broadcasting community is mourning the loss of longtime radio personality and disc jockey Casey Baird, a familiar voice to listeners across Salt Lake City. Friends, colleagues, and fans have been sharing tributes highlighting his generosity, humor, and deep passion for connecting with others through music.
Baird, who studied at Alta High School, began working in radio at just 15 years old, first appearing on-air at KBER. In recent years, he continued his broadcasting career with iHeartRadio, where he worked both as an on-air personality and in promotions.
Colleagues say Baird believed deeply in the power of music to uplift people. “He always felt a broadcast could brighten someone’s day,” one friend shared. “If someone was having a hard time, Casey wanted his show to make that burden feel lighter.”
Beyond radio, Baird was also known as a skilled technician who owned a business repairing Haas heavy machinery, a role that introduced him to many friends and clients throughout the region. Those who knew him say his generosity defined his character. Friends frequently recall how he would go out of his way to help others—even when it meant sacrificing his own comfort.
Baird’s life was shaped by profound personal tragedy. In 2014, he lost his daughter, Tawnee Baird, who was killed along Interstate 15 in a widely reported case that shocked the local community. Despite the devastating loss, loved ones say he carried forward with resilience, honoring his daughter’s memory while continuing to support others.
In 2018, Baird met Julie Baird, whom he married on August 21, 2021. Family members describe their relationship as deeply devoted and supportive. Friends recall a recent outing to a hockey game where Baird got his first tattoo—a tribute to his daughter, reading “Tawnee” alongside a ladybug.
“That moment showed how much love he carried in his heart,” a family friend wrote in a tribute.
Now, community members have organized a GoFundMe campaign to help Julie cover funeral expenses and other financial responsibilities following Baird’s passing. The fundraising effort reflects the same spirit of compassion Baird himself showed to others.
As tributes continue to pour in across social media and the Utah broadcasting community, many say Baird’s greatest legacy will be the kindness he shared so freely.
“Casey had a rare gift,” one friend said. “He made everyone feel like they mattered—and that’s something people will never forget.”