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Bill Heywood & Susan Heywood dead

Scottsdale Police confirm Bill & Susan Heywood were found dead in a hotel near Scottsdale & Shea this afternoon. Both had been shot. While they are not calling it murder-suicide, cops are not seeking any other suspects. Heywood was the big man for KOY, KTAR & KFYI as well short stints at KCCF & KFNN. In the last few years, he ran into serious financial issues.
 
My God! This is absolutely unbelievable. There has to be more to this than just financial issues.
 
This is awfully sad. I worked the board for Bill at KFYI and KTAR, and while we weren't especially close, I always thought of him as a good, decent guy. I actually saw him alongside me at a red light, while I was on my way to the ex, to drop off my boy, a couple of months ago. I hadn't seen him in at least 10 years, and I thought about calling out, but it was dark, and I thought he wouldn't know me from Adam, anymore. I kinda wish I did, now.
 
Many years ago (late 90's), I worked his camera when he dropped by a Phoenix TV station to record a PSA. He came across as a really, really nice guy. He had absolutely no problem if we had to stop down and start over. A consummate pro.
The news was a real stunner. RIP Bill and Susan.
 
Bill Heywood was a BRILLIANT BROADCASTER that inspired this radio guy way back when I was still on Long Island. He was featured on one of the Programmer's Digest LPs with an aircheck from 55 KOY. When I moved out West, KOY became one of my must listen to stations. KOY was one of the best stations I ever heard and it that was due to the incredible staff that included Bill Heywood in the Morning. A CLASS ACT.

This is very shocking news and a sad day for Phoenix radio. My prayers go out to his family. RIP... so sorry to hear about this.
 
I grew up with stories by my parents about the old KOY and Bill Heywood. After hearing these great stories, I found some airchecks of him from KOY. What a great MOR jock with a great sense of creativity. Most likely the best jock the Valley of the Sun has ever produced. He was enjoyable to listen to on KFYI. It's too bad Bill and Heidi weren't allowed to continue. A great fast-paced show with lots of content.

It's sad to see it all come down to suicide. I'm sure people would have helped them.
 
During Fox 10 News at 9:00 PM, Dave Munsey and Jude La Cava shared personal stories of Mr. and Mrs. Heywood.

R.I.P. Bill and Susan
 
Such tragic and shocking news.

My thoughts and prayers go out to those affected by the death of Bill and Susan.
 
This is the saddest news I've heard since the passing of Bill Austin. These iconic men not only shared a name but incredible graciousness and kindness. As a guy who grew up in broadcasting in Arizona, this is the worst of news. Bill Heywood was the epitome of a professional broadcaster and a gentleman. :'(

I met Bill for the first time just a couple of months after I replaced him (like one can ever REALLY do that) at KTAR in 2001. There wasn't a hint of unpleasantness about him when most people in his shoes would have been been bitter and thinking, "Who's this punk who thinks he can do what I do?"

He was engaging, incredibly nice and everything one would think Bill Heywood would be.

I have to say though, while I wasn't in his shoes or living in his circumstances, that I have to agree with Lauren - this is NEVER the answer.
 
One last note: Scottsdale Police confirm that it was two suicides. Appears no one took the other's life. Small solace but good to know.
 
I worked a contract assignment in Phoenix during the mid-70's and the receptionist always had her desk radio tuned to KOY. I have enjoyed several really exceptional DJ's over the years here but Bill was the first.

I will never forget the chaos in the office the first time we heard his "Heiny Winery" commercial. ;D
 
jimmysharpe said:
One last note: Scottsdale Police confirm that it was two suicides. Appears no one took the other's life. Small solace but good to know.

I wish I had something more profound to say other than "What the F@$%?" but I just can't comprehend any of this... and I only met him briefly when he came over to the KOY 75th anniversary event. Super nice guy. Way more talent than I could ever dream of having.

Does. Not. Compute.
 
I had the honor of working with Bill during several stints at KFYI. As a kid I was a loyal fan of his on KOY. Such a tragedy
 
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