RICHMOND, Va. -- Kat Simons, the beloved longtime Richmond radio personality devoted to animals and a host of charitable causes and organizations, has died, according to officials with WTVR-FM.
"She was more than a voice on the radio; she was a cherished friend and a comforting presence, always offering a kind word or a sweet question with sincere curiosity," reads a post on the Mix 98.1 website.
Simons worked for the station, known for decades as Lite 98, as a DJ on middays for more than 25 years.
"Kat's life was a symphony of kindness and dedication, played out over the airwaves of Virginia radio," colleagues wrote.
WTVR CBS 6 reporter Greg McQuade remembered Simons as a "true friend of four-legged animals who needed a forever home across central Virginia."
"She was a legend," McQuade wrote. "Kat was a gem and a dedicated soul. For years she would faithfully help me with contests in the ring at the Henrico Humane Society’s Pet Expo."
WTVR CBS 6 morning anchor Reba Hollingsworth said that while she had not seen Simons in person in a few years, she would catch her silky smooth voice on Mix 98.1 often.
"She gave the tightest, warmest hugs along with saying the kindest words," Hollingsworth wrote."I’m deeply saddened to hear about her passing. She was a beautiful soul. RVA will miss you, Kat."
Antoinette Essa, a longtime community events reporter for WTVR CBS 6, remembered Simons as "always genuine and kind."
"I met Kat many years ago as working radio sisters, emceeing events," Essa wrote. "What a tremendous loss."
Tracy Sears, a longtime reporter and Sunday evening anchor for WTVR CBS 6, called Simons a "true advocate" and "gracious presence."
"She always made you feel like the only person in the room when she spoke to you, offering a sweet compliment and encouraging words," Sears wrote. "My heart is breaking for her family and the Richmond community, as we were her extended family. Heaven has gained a beautiful voice and soul."
Simons grew up in Elkins, West Virginia, where her love of animals on her family's farm led to her lifetime of support for area animal rescue groups.
"Her efforts touched numerous organizations, including Richmond and Hanover ARC, Relay for Life, the VA, USO, the Alzheimer's Association, Arthritis Association, SPARC, Faison, Children's Hospital, the READ Center, and the Diabetes Association," officials with the radio station wrote.
Henrico Humane Society President Cara Salman said the agency was heartbroken by the loss and that Simons was "known for her tireless efforts to help homeless animals."
"Kat dedicated over 15 years to supporting Henrico Humane Society by judging pet contests, promoting fundraisers, and advocating for our animals available for adoption," Salman wrote. "Her commitment made a significant impact, and her presence will be sorely missed in the animal rescue community."
WATCH: Remembering Richmond radio icon Kat Simons
Simons was remembered for her "generous spirit" and "surprising many with random acts of kindness, monetary gifts, gift cards, and thoughtful birthday cards."
Sheila Turner Rose called the loss "tragic and devastating."
"I will never forget her extreme kindness and attention she showered on my disabled stepson. We have no idea how to break this news to him. He loved her so much," Rose wrote. "Her passing is a reminder that life is precious, short, and unpredictable. We should all take a lesson from Kat’s life on the legacy we leave behind from our time on this earth."
Mix 98.1 staffers said Simons was a "constant companion."
"Her presence was always a continual source of comfort and pleasure," staffers wrote. "Kat's legacy of love and kindness will forever echo in our hearts. Thank you for everything, Kat."
This is a developing story, so anyone with more information can email newstips@wtvr.com to send a tip.
